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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini’s World Energy Markets Observatory annual report 2024: The Paris Agreement’s goals are no longer achievable, but net zero is still in sight with accelerated efforts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Florence Lievre
    Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 71
    Email: florence.lievre@capgemini.com

    Capgemini’s World Energy Markets Observatory annual report 2024:
    The Paris Agreement’s goals are no longer achievable, but net zero is still in sight with accelerated efforts

    • Despite impressive strides in 2023 and positive projections for 2024, the pace of renewable development isn’t fast enough
    • The critical role of nuclear energy to addressing increased clean energy demands is now recognized, but construction of new large power plants takes time and industrialization of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is proving complex
    • Addressing the complexity of energy transition challenges will require new market mechanisms encouraging further innovation, choosing appropriate measures, and accelerated public and private investment in low carbon technologies and the power grid

    Paris, October 10, 2024 – Capgemini has published the 26thedition of its annual World Energy Markets Observatory (WEMO), created in partnership with Hogan Lovells, Vaasa ETT and Enerdata. The report takes stock of the current state of the energy transition. Despite progress being made, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are continuing to increase, reaching a new record high of 37.4 billion tonnes (Gt) in 20231, confirming that the path to the reach Paris Agreement’s objectives is not on track. The report provides insights on what the key focus areas would need to be, moving forward, to address the complex energy transition challenges, including a change in the measurement of clean energy progress, as well as accelerated investment in the power grid and clean technologies.

    James Forrest, Global Energy Transition & Utilities Industry Leader at Capgemini says: “Despite an historical spike in renewable penetration, the pace of development isn’t fast enough to close the gap. There is still much to do in the next decade to get closer to net zero by 2050 and achieve a successful energy transition: whether it be in the field of low carbon technologies, R&D efforts, nuclear or grid flexibility and storage. In addition, beyond the necessary adoption of new market mechanisms, a shift away from measuring energy based on primary consumption is needed. This measurement was relevant during past energy crises, but it is now time to adopt a more holistic approach. Moving to a final energy demand measurement would better assess clean energy progress and ensure more accurate projections.”

    Key observations from the 2024 report include:

    • There is a need to hasten the deployment of renewable energy globally, and to accelerate in developing countries, to deliver the 2030 and 2050 decarbonization goals. The total amount of final energy provided by renewable energy is likely to be limited to about 40% of global needs. In 2023, total renewable energy capacity increased by 14% year on year with a larger capacity expansion of solar (32%) than wind (13%). But, whilst 2024 is promising to hit another record, as this was the case for the 22nd previous years, this growth is far below what is needed to achieve net zero carbon in 2050. Moreover, while the renewable penetration rate increases, they are impacting grid stability and association with stationary batteries will become compulsory. According to the report, storable renewable energies development, such as biomass or geothermal energy, should be accelerated.
    • Hydrogen is now a strategic lever in the decarbonization path. The number of projects reaching final investment decision has quadrupled over the last two years. However, a refocus of applications has been observed due to the increasing costs of low-carbon hydrogen production, competition between uses, and regulations. Only certain uses in ‘Hard to Abate’ industries, such as heavy industry and maritime mobility, have strong potential.
    • Global nuclear capacity needs to triple to ensure stable, low-carbon power. COP28 has recognized the critical role of nuclear energy for reducing the effects of climate change. While there is some promising progress in nuclear renaissance, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), development of new nuclear power plants is still difficult. In 2023, 440 nuclear reactors (390 GW) provided 9% of the world’s electricity, 25% of the world’s low-carbon electricity. SMRs are in the planning or early construction stages with many years before they are deployed at scale as their industrialization can prove to be complex. According to the report, more focus needs to be placed on extending the life of existing nuclear plants.
    • The power grid plays a fundamental role to accelerate clean energy transitions. Grid investment is starting to pick up and is expected to reach USD 400 billion in 20242, with Europe, the United Sates, China and parts of Latin America leading the way. According to the report, better forecasting electricity consumption and finer optimization scenarios thanks to technologies such as AI will help to improve grid balancing.
    • Whilst AI has the potential to significantly accelerate decarbonization, a lack of skills and a focus on short-term proof of concepts is hampering adoption to date. However, AI coupled with GenAI in agentic LLM (Large Language Model) workflows3 has a clear role to play as a catalyst to improve grids efficiency, e-fuel discovery; new battery or wind turbine design; synthetic biology; and augmented insights from many data sources for better informed decision making.
      • Protectionist approaches to increasing energy sovereignty may have undesirable implications. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are affecting energy markets and systems. To ensure security of supply, the use of embargoes, tariffs and subsidies in almost all jurisdictions is distorting energy markets and threatens efficient allocation of capital. According to the report, embargoes are proving ineffective, and decreasing the transparency and traceability of energy supplies, which is essential to tracking decarbonization efforts. Denying access to the cheapest sources of energy equipment and energy supplies drives up prices for consumers and reduces funding available for the energy transition.
      • According to the report, ‘Primary Energy Demand’ is an outdated concept for energy transition. There is a need to move from primary to final energy consumption measurement (in kWh) to ensure accurate projections, and clean energy progress. Measuring energy based on primary consumption ignores that: for the same end-energy services, new electric services are generally more efficient; a lot of fossil fuels are wasted in the generation of electricity; energy is also wasted on finding and processing fossil fuels.

    The World Energy Markets Observatory (WEMO) is Capgemini’s annual thought leadership and research report created in partnership with Hogan Lovells, Vaasa ETT and Enerdata, that tracks the transformation of global energy markets, including Europe, North America, Australia, Southeast Asia, India, and China. Now in its 26th edition, the report has been prepared by a global team of over 100 experts, and includes 15 articles, all backed with rigorous analysis. The report begins with a global outlook, then covers the topics pivotal to the energy transition including geopolitical impacts, demand side energy transition, batteries, renewables, SMRs, Hydrogen, Industrial Heat, GenAI and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
    For more information and to get access to the report, click here

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | http://www.capgemini.com

    1 Source: IEA- CO2 Emissions in 2023
    2 Source IEA: Electricity Grids and Secure Energy Transitions

    3 GenAI in agentic LLM (Large Language Model): iterative and collaborative model that transforms the interaction with LLMs into a series of manageable, refinable steps.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TSplus Wraps Up Another Successful Quarter with Major Developments and New Product Enhancements

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LYON, France, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSplus recently held its quarterly meeting in Lyon, where the entire headquarters gathered to celebrate milestones, strategize for the future, and share some exciting product updates. The company, known for its innovation and affordable alternatives to Citrix, is on track to expand its presence globally and further strengthen its offerings.

    Dominique Benoit, CEO of TSplus, opened the meeting by highlighting the company’s rapid growth, with about 600,000 clients and 8,000 resellers across the world. He emphasized TSplus’ position as the “French Citrix-Killer,” with upcoming subscription models for TSplus Remote Access poised to capture more market shares.

    “We’re building towards an exciting future,” Dominique said. “By 2030, we aim to grow from 80 employees to 500, and we’re already laying the groundwork with new strategic developments.”

    Powering the Future of Remote Access

    This quarter has seen remarkable growth, with invoice numbers doubling and a projected 15% revenue increase by year-end. The company’s flagship product, Remote Access Enterprise, has emerged as a best-seller, and key markets like India, France, and the USA are hosting the largest customers. Additionally, TSplus is proud to announce the official launch of TSplus China, located near Shanghai, marking an important milestone in expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Advanced Security, Remote Access and Beyond

    The Development Team has been hard at work, with the upcoming release of Advanced Security 7.1 taking center stage. This release, still in beta version, will introduce a completely revamped user interface, providing a smoother and more intuitive experience. New features will be included too, to increase risk awareness and protection performance.

    In other product news, Remote Access has seen over 30 updates and 40 fixes, such as improvements to the Universal Printer and a sleek new Web Portal. Remote Support now boasts 2FA protection, cross-platform compatibility over macOS and Windows devices, and a soon-to-be-released Android app.

    Leader To Be in Secure Remote Access Solutions

    TSplus has also focused on enhancing its digital presence, with a complete redesign of TSplus.net. The revamped website has significantly boosted traffic generating a 20% sales growth. Meanwhile, the Licensing Portal has been simplified, making it easier for resellers to navigate.

    As AI continues to shape the marketing landscape and Google ranking algorithm, TSplus is staying ahead to create high-quality videos, blog posts, and website enhancements, further expanding the company’s visibility everywhere on the Web.

    With ambitious plans on the horizon, TSplus is set to roll out additional updates, including a full overhaul of all their showcase websites. These developments will further solidify TSplus’ position as a global leader in secure remote access solutions.

    Try any TSplus software for free today with a 15-day trial by visiting http://www.tsplus.net.

    Media Contact:
    Floriane Mer
    Marketing Manager at TSplus
    floriane.mer@tsplus.net

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03affb29-cb02-4102-8792-863ea0b86f83

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: YY Group Holdings Limited Successfully Regains NASDAQ Compliance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YY Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: YYGH) (“YY Group”, “YYGH”, or the “Company”), is pleased to announce that the company has regained compliance with NASDAQ’s Minimum Bid Price Rule, maintaining a consistent stock price above $1.00 for more than 12 consecutive business days.

    This achievement marks a key milestone in YYGH’s continued growth and recovery, after experiencing a low of $0.71 two months ago. The stock has risen by over 70%, to reach a peak at $1.295, averaging at $1.20 for the past 2 weeks, representing a significant improvement over the past 60 days. This growth highlights the market’s renewed confidence in the Company’s vision and the strength of its business model.

    Investor Support Key to Recovery

    The Company attributes this success to the unwavering support of its investors. In a market characterized by volatility, YYGH’s ability to stabilize and grow its stock price would not have been possible without the trust and confidence of its shareholders. The Company’s leadership recognizes the importance of its investor relationships and is committed to delivering long-term value through strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

    Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Mike Fu, expressed his gratitude, stating: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our investors during this crucial time. Their confidence in YY Group’s future has been a vital component of our ability to regain compliance with NASDAQ’s standards. As we look ahead, our commitment to innovation, excellence, and shareholder value remains stronger than ever.”

    Looking Ahead

    As part of its forward strategy, YYGH is dedicated to driving sustainable growth by leveraging technological advancements and exploring opportunities in new markets. The recent expansions into the UAE have resulted in positive outcomes with contracts signed with 5-star hotels such as Sofitel Al Hamra and DoubleTree by Hilton. Excitedly, the company has also expanded into the European market, with the United Kingdom as its first point of entry.

    About YY Holdings Limited:
    YY Group Holding Limited is a Singapore-based data and technology-driven company that specializes in creating enterprise intelligent labor matching services and smart cleaning solutions. Rooted in innovation and a commitment to user-centric experiences, YY Circle leverages app-based technology to optimize the labor sourcing market and the Internet of Things to revolutionize the cleaning industry.

    For more information on the Company, please log on to https://yygroupholding.com/.

    Investor Contact:
    Phua Zhi Yong, Chief Financial Officer
    YY Group
    Enquiries@yygroupholding.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ormat Technologies Inc. Secures Land Parcels in Nevada’s BLM Auction to Advance Future Geothermal Development

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ormat Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ORA), a leading renewable energy company, today announced it has successfully secured multiple land parcels in Nevada’s Annual Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Auction. These lease acquisitions will significantly support Ormat’s ongoing exploration and expansion efforts in the state, further strengthening the company’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and meeting Nevada’s increasing demand for sustainable energy.

    The newly leased parcels hold substantial potential for geothermal energy production including a new greenfield prospect, an expansion opportunity for an existing operational asset, and several additional parcels that will enhance Ormat’s land position on an existing greenfield prospect.

    “We believe the parcels we successfully won have a high success rate that will support our growth in the U.S.,” said Doron Blachar, CEO of Ormat Technologies Inc. “Our team is dedicated to exploring and developing these resources to their fullest potential, providing reliable and eco-friendly energy to the people of Nevada.”

    By leveraging nearly 60 years of advanced technologies and industry expertise, Ormat is an industry leader in geothermal energy production and environmental stewardship.

    ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

    With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400 MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1,420MW with a 1,230MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 190MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

    ORMAT’S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

    Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as our projections of annual revenues, expenses and debt service coverage with respect to our debt securities, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, development or operation of generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, or “contemplate” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words or expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat’s plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management’s current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives.  Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties and other risks described under “Risk Factors” as described in Ormat’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 23, 2024, and in Ormat’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are filed from time to time with the SEC.

    These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and, except as legally required, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Ormat Technologies Contact:
    Smadar Lavi
    VP Head of IR and ESG Planning & Reporting
    775-356-9029 (ext. 65726)
    slavi@ormat.com    		 Investor Relations Agency Contact:
    Alec Steinberg or Joseph Caminiti
    Alpha IR Group
    312-445-2870
    ORA@alpha-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: CNO Strengthens Partnerships at 14th Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium

    Source: United States Navy

    VENICE, Italy – Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, attended the 14th Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium (TRSS) in Venice, Italy, Oct. 8-10, 2024.

    This year’s TRSS brought together Heads of Navy and Coast Guard from 67 countries with experts and professionals from around the world to discuss critical maritime issues and foster collaboration. The symposium, themed “A Spotlight on the Depths: the Underwater as a New Frontier for Humankind,” aimed to address the growing importance of the underwater through panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions that allowed participants to explore innovative approaches and strategies for maritime cooperation.

    “It is great to be here among friends who are united by our shared values, our shared commitment, and our shared stake in the continued stability, security, and prosperity of the entire global maritime commons, especially in the undersea domain,” said Franchetti.  “We’ve all scanned the horizon and see the forces that are threatening to make the world more unstable and more dangerous. And we’ve witnessed the vulnerabilities of our critical undersea infrastructure, like gas pipelines, fiber optic cables, which are so critical to our economies, our shared security, our prosperity, and our peoples’ way of everyday life.”

    During the symposium, Franchetti participated in a panel titled “Safeguarding the Underwater: New Solutions and Technologies for new Challenges,” where she discussed how U.S. Navy is leveraging modern technology, like robotic autonomous systems, underwater command and control networks, and sensing and detection systems; is integrating these systems into the fleet and adopting the new technology, getting the innovation into the hands of Sailors as quickly as possible; and building relationships and having conversations with Allies and partners.

    “Integrating robotic and autonomous systems into the daily business of our operations is a critical part of my recently released Navigation Plan for America’s War Fighting Navy,” said Franchetti.  “It’s one of my seven Project 33 targets, areas where I will invest my personal time and my resources, where I’m going to put my thumb on the scale to raise the baseline level of readiness of the American Navy in the fastest time possible.”

    She went on to say, “we are continuing to closely collaborate with you, all of our allies and partners, and your respective innovation bases to advance our capabilities in the undersea domain.  And I see us doing this together as part of a broader warfighting ecosystem.  It’s another component in my Navigation Plan, which is fundamental to my vision of how we will deter and, if necessary, fight and win future wars.”

    While at the symposium Franchetti also held bilateral engagement with her counterparts from Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Nigeria, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden; and conducted over 40 meaningful discussions with TRSS Head of Navy participants about the importance of increasing interoperability with Allies and partners.

    Franchetti also conducted her second trilateral meeting with her Australian and United Kingdom counterparts as part of the AUKUS partnership. Their first meeting occurred earlier this summer at HMAS Stirling in Perth, Australia.

    “In three years of  the AUKUS agreement we have made significant progress in integrating the exceptional undersea capabilities of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States,” said Franchetti. “Our navies will continue to build on our relationships, strengths, and interchangeability to provide security and stability, and maintain the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific and around the globe.

    The CNO wrapped up her time at TRSS with a multilateral meeting with Heads of Navy from the Group of Seven (G7: U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom) and a meeting with the chiefs of carrier strike group navies.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Click Holdings Limited Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Click Holdings Limited (“CLIK” or the “Company”), a Hong Kong-based human resources solutions provider primarily focusing on talent sourcing and the provision of temporary and permanent personnel to customers including accounting and professional firms, Hong Kong listed companies, nursing homes, individual patients, logistics companies and warehouses, today announced the closing of its previously announced initial public offering of an aggregate 1,400,000 Ordinary Shares (“the Offering”) at a price of $4.00 per share (“the Offering Price”) to the public, for a total gross proceeds of $5.6 million to the Company, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses.

    The Ordinary Shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on October 9, 2024, under the symbol “CLIK.”

    R.F. Lafferty & Co., Inc. (“Lafferty”), a full-service broker/dealer, acted as the primary underwriter for the Offering. Revere Securities LLC (“Revere”), a full-service broker/dealer, acted as the co-manager for the Offering. Dorsey & Whitney LLP, David Fong & Co, Beijing Dacheng Law Offices, LLP (Shenzhen) and Ogier are acting as U.S., Hong Kong, PRC and BVI legal counsel to the Company, respectively. Wei, Wei & Co., LLP is acting as the independent accountants of the Company. VCL Law LLP is acting as the U.S. legal counsel to Lafferty and Revere for the Offering.

    The Offering is being conducted pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-280522), as amended, which was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 30, 2024. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, which forms part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus related to the Offering may be obtained, when available, from R.F. Lafferty & Co., Inc., 40 Wall Street, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10005, by phone at +1 212 293 9090 or by email at offering@rflafferty.com; or Revere Securities LLC, 560 Lexington Ave 16th floor, New York, NY, 10022, by phone at +1 212 688 2350 or by email at contact@reversesecurities.com. A copy of the final prospectus relating to the Offering can be obtained via the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

    Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed with the SEC for more information about the Company and the Offering. This press release has been prepared for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Click Holdings Limited
     Click Holdings Limited is a human resources solutions provider, specializing in offering comprehensive human resources solutions in three principal sectors, namely (i) professional solution services, (ii) nursing solution services, and (iii) logistics and other solution services. We are primarily focused on talent sourcing and the provision of temporary and permanent personnel to customers. Our primary market is in Hong Kong and our diverse clientele includes accounting and professional firms, Hong Kong listed companies, nursing homes, individual patients, logistics companies and warehouses. We specialize primarily in placing professional accountants and company secretaries, registered nurses and healthcare workers, as well as other blue-collar workers, for direct hire and contract staffing roles. For more information, please visit our website https://clickholdings.com.hk.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    Certain statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Luda Technology Group Limited specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    For more information, please contact:

    offerings@rflafferty.com
    Equity Capital Markets
    R. F. Lafferty & Co., Inc.
    40 Wall Street, 27th Floor, 
    New York, NY 10005
    212.293.9090

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

    The prime ministers discussed the dynamic bilateral relationship between Canada and Malaysia, which is further being strengthened through the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. They welcomed co-operation on a variety of issues, including bolstering trade and investment, deepening defence partnerships, strengthening democratic institutions, and protecting cybersecurity. The leaders also highlighted recent examples of this mutually beneficial co-operation, including this year’s Team Canada Trade Mission to Malaysia and the opening of BlackBerry’s Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Malaysia, in March.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Anwar discussed their interest in expanding co-operation on energy security and renewables.

    The leaders exchanged views on pressing geopolitical issues. They discussed the impact that multiple crises around the world are having on social cohesion and agreed to work together to explore ways to manage their effects.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Anwar agreed to stay in close contact and looked forward to ongoing collaboration.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 420 Years Ago: Astronomer Johannes Kepler Observes a Supernova

    Source: NASA

    In October 1604, a new star appeared in the sky, puzzling astronomers of the day. First observed on Oct. 9, German astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) began his observations on Oct. 17 and tracked the new star for over a year. During that time, it brightened to magnitude -2.5, outshining Jupiter, and for several weeks remained visible in the daytime. Publication of his detailed observations in 1606 led astronomers to call the star Kepler’s Supernova, today formally designated as supernova SN 1604. Astronomers of the day did not know what caused the star’s sudden appearance and eventual disappearance, but the phenomenon helped shape European cosmology toward the heliocentric model proposed by Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus half a century earlier. Today, astronomers designate SN 1604 as a Type Ia supernova, resulting from the explosion of a white dwarf star, and use ground-based and space-based telescopes to study its remnants.
    Left: Portrait of Johannes Kepler by August Köhler. Middle: Kepler’s book about his observations of the 1604 supernova open to the page depicting the location of the new star. Right: Closeup of Kepler’s illustration of the location of the new star, designated N, in the constellation Ophiuchus near the right foot of the serpent-bearer.
    Italian astronomer Lodovico delle Colombo first observed the supernova in the constellation Ophiuchus on Oct. 9. Kepler, then working in Prague, heard rumors of the new star but did not observe it until Oct. 17. He continued to monitor the star for over a year, inspired by the earlier work of Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe’s observations of a similar phenomenon, the 1572 supernova. The new star quickly brightened to magnitude -2.5, outshining Jupiter, and for three weeks could be seen in the daytime before finally fading into obscurity in March 1606. Kepler could only make naked eye observations, since Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei didn’t turn his newly invented telescope to the skies for another four years after SN 1604 faded from view.
    Later in 1606, Kepler summarized his observations in his book De Stella nova in pede Serpentarii (On the New Star in Ophiuchus’ Foot), published in Prague. SN 1604 is believed to be about 20,000 light years away, near the edge of a dark nebula complex. Kepler and his contemporaries observed not only the last known supernova to occur in the Milky Way Galaxy but also the last supernova visible to the naked eye until 1987. That one, Supernova 1987A, appeared in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small satellite galaxy of the Milky Way.
    A Type Ia supernova results from a white dwarf drawing in material from a nearby red giant star, the additional mass leading to a runaway thermonuclear explosion.
    Astronomers today understand that what Kepler and others believed as the birth of a new star actually represented the violent death of a star. Astronomers today classify supernovas according to their characteristics, and SN 1604 belongs to the group known as Type Ia supernovas, typically found in binary star systems composed of a white dwarf and a red giant. The gravitation force of the white dwarf draws in material from its larger less dense companion until it reaches a critical mass, around 1.4 times the mass of our Sun. At that point, a runaway thermonuclear chain reaction begins, causing a release of tremendous amounts of energy, including light, that we see as a sudden brightening of an otherwise dim star.
    Images of Kepler’s supernova remnants in different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Left: X-ray image from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Middle: Visible image from the Hubble Space Telescope. Right: Infrared image from the Spitzer Space Telescope.
    Supernova explosions leave remnants behind and those of SN 1604 remain visible today. Ground-based and space-based instruments using different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum study these remnants to gain a better understanding of their origins. The remnants of SN 1604 emit energy most strongly in the radio and X-ray parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. In recent years, astronomers have used Type Ia supernovas to determine the rate of expansion of the universe. Because Type Ia supernovas all occur in stars of about 1.4 solar masses, they give out about the same amount of light. This makes them useful as distance indicators – if one Type Ia supernova is dimmer than another one, it is further away by an amount that astronomers can calculate. Based on this information, astronomers believe that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, possibly caused by the presence of a mysterious substance called dark energy.
    Events in world history in 1604:
    January 1 – First performance of William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream.
    March 22 – Karl IX begins his rule as King of Sweden.
    August 5 – Sokolluzade Mehmed Pasha becomes the new Ottoman Grand Vizier in Constantinople.
    August 18 – England and Spain sign the Treaty of London, ending their 20-year war.
    September 1 – Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s religious text, is installed at Hamandir Sahib in Amritsar, India.
    October 4 – Emperor of Ethiopia Za Dengel is killed in battle with the forces of Za Sellase, who restores his cousin Yaqob to the throne.
    November 1 – First performance of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello.
    December 29 – A magnitude 8.1 earthquake shakes the Taiwan Strait causing significant damage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IADC South Central Asia Chapter & ONGC Organize 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee Meeting

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: IADC South Central Asia Chapter & ONGC Organize 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee Meeting

    The IADC South Central Asia (SCA) Chapter and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) hosted the 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee (DOIRC) meeting on 24 August. This was the second event with an integrated Onshore and Offshore focus, and it was held at NBP Green Heights in Mumbai. 

    The event witnessed active participation from over 280 attendees of different companies, including 130 online participants from offshore and onshore E&P installations in the Indian subcontinent. Attendees included leaders and key executives from ONGC, drilling companies, and other organizations, demonstrating a shared commitment to safety in drilling operations across the region.

    The safety moment by the HSE Manager of Greatship emphasized the role of human factors in incidents and highlighted the importance of compliance with safety management systems and procedures in the workplace.

    DOIRC Chairman Shri VV Prasad expressed his gratitude to IADC SCAC Chairman & Director (T&FS) ONGC Shri OP Singh for his continuous guidance and support in establishing DOIRC as a structured platform for engagement and collaboration on safety issues in the Indian Drilling Industry. He emphasized that the goal of zero incidents is achievable when safety becomes a shared responsibility.

    In his inaugural address, Sh. O.P. Singh appreciated the continuous efforts made by IADC in collaboration with ONGC to create a safe culture and a safe work environment. A more efficient work environment can be achieved by integrating the guiding principles of the Five M’s – Men, Machine, Material, Method, and Management. He emphasized that digitalization plays a pivotal role in the transformation to latest technologies. The industry needs to support a digital safety culture, enhancing its safety protocols and being prepared for future challenges.    

    The Head of HSE ONGC Mumbai presented an action taken report on previous DOIRC recommendations, their compliance status along with initiatives taken, milestones achieved, and HSE statistics for Quarter-1 of FY 2024-25. Eight incidents from the last quarter were presented by respective rig managers, sharing their root cause analysis learnings from these incidents and corrective actions implemented.

    In his concluding address, Chief of HSE at ONGC advised that the learnings from the incidents discussed at DOIRC should be effectively communicated and implemented across all ONGC installations.

    Mr. Narendra Jindal, Vice chairman of IADC SCA Chapter & Country – Head of Operations at Shelf Drilling, offered the closing remarks and vote of thanks.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States to Provide Php28M in Humanitarian Aid, Logistics Support for Super Typhoon Julian Response

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MANILA, Philippines  –  

    In response to a request from the Philippine government, the United States government intends to provide Php28 million ($500,000) in humanitarian supplies and logistical support to communities affected by Super Typhoon Julian in Northern Luzon.

    Through this funding, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide emergency shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene support for more than 4,000 households, or 16,000 people, in typhoon-affected areas.

    Since October 7, the U.S. Department of Defense has mobilized multiple military assets to provide logistics support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Office of Civil Defense in transporting humanitarian supplies from Manila to Batanes.

    “My heart goes out to everyone affected by Super Typhoon Julian, especially those living in the most devastated areas, including hard-to-reach Batanes,” U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said.  “The United States is working closely with our Filipino friends, partners, and allies to provide life-saving assistance to enable those in disaster areas to recover as quickly as possible.” 

    This assistance builds on the U.S. government’s previous support to Philippine government’s disaster response efforts, such as during the massive flooding in Mindanao in February and Super Typhoon Carina in July. 

     Since 2010, the U.S. government has invested Php21.8 billion ($388 million) for disaster response, preparedness, and early recovery in the Philippines.  USAID works year-round to help communities build resilience in preparing for, and responding to, the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene Continues as State, Local and Federal Resources Work to Help those Impacted in Western North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene Continues as State, Local and Federal Resources Work to Help those Impacted in Western North Carolina

    Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Helene Continues as State, Local and Federal Resources Work to Help those Impacted in Western North Carolina
    mseets

    Today, Governor Roy Cooper held a briefing with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to provide updates on North Carolina’s unprecedented response to Hurricane Helene. They were joined by Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard Major General Todd Hunt, North Carolina Director of Emergency Management Will Ray, NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins, NCDHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley and NCDEQ Secretary Mary Penny Kelley to share an update as response and recovery operations continue in Western North Carolina. 

    “Hurricane Helene was a powerful reminder of nature’s might, but it also revealed the unbreakable spirit of our people,” said Governor Cooper. “In the face of adversity, we have seen neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping up, and first responders risking their lives to ensure our safety. This has been a massive, unprecedented state, local and federal response and I am grateful to all of those working tirelessly. Your bravery and selflessness embody the very essence of our community.”

    Goods and services continue to flow into impacted communities through state, federal and local partners.  The North Carolina National Guard and the Joint Task Force- North Carolina have assisted thousands of people who needed rescue, evacuation and other assistance.

    North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

    More than 3,000 Soldiers and Airmen are now working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to the citizens in western North Carolina.

    National Guard and military personnel are operating more than 40 helicopters and more than 1,200 specialized vehicles in Western North Carolina to facilitate these missions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through a website launched on Saturday.

    FEMA Assistance

    More than $60 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western NC disaster survivors and more than 134,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. Approximately 2,600 people are now housed in hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. Federal partners have delivered approximately 9.78 million liters of water and approximately 7.7 million meals in North Carolina to support both responders and people living in the affected communities.

    More than 900 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

    The Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Cooper and granted by President Biden now includes 27 North Carolina counties (Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey) and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

    Help from Other States

    More than 1,300 responders from 35 state and local agencies have performed 118 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

    Beware of Misinformation

    North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

    Food, Water and Commodity Points of Distribution

    Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. More than 20,000 hot meals a day are being prepared and served by mobile kitchens. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

    Missing Persons

    To report a missing person or request non-emergency support, please call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. NC 211 also has a registry page for missing persons and welfare check requests.

    Shelters

    A total of 17 shelters are open in Western North Carolina serving 715 people and 102 pets.

    Storm Damage Cleanup

    If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

    Power Outages

    Across Western North Carolina, more than 86,000 customers remain without power as of Tuesday, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

    Road Closures

    Travel remains dangerous, with hundreds of roads closed. Many of these roads are primary routes connecting the region. As connectivity and reporting measures improve, these number may increase.

    NCDOT is asking people to avoid unnecessary travel to or in Western North Carolina. NCDOT has posted at ncdot.gov an interstate detour map for travelers to avoid western N.C. NCDOT currently has more than 2,100 employees and 1,100 pieces of equipment working on approximately 4,700 damaged road sites.

    Fatalities

    Eighty-nine storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. We expect that this number will continue to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911. To report that you have been unable to reach a person in Western North Carolina, please call 211.

    Volunteers and Donations

    Due to dangerous road conditions and the need to maintain open routes for emergency operations, travel to Western North Carolina is strongly discouraged. Instead, consider the following options for donations and volunteer opportunities:

    • If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.
    • For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc

    Additional Assistance

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

    For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    ###

    Oct 9, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Vogue: the 90s was a boom time for Australian fashion and faces. What happened?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Sarago, First Nations Cultural Innovation Lead – Beauty and Technology, Charles Sturt University

    The In Vogue: The 90s series transports audiences back to the glamour and grandeur of a transformative decade for fashion. Set against the backdrop of New York, London and Paris, the series explores the rise of supermodels, designer powerhouses and fashion’s global influence. But the fashion scene in Australia – a country that was also enjoying a meteoric rise in international success at the time – does not crack a mention.

    The 1990s marked a golden era for fashion. Supermodels like Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington became style icons. Designers like Tom Ford, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and John Galliano pushed the boundaries of fashion creating moments that defined the times and influenced everything from pop culture to politics.

    Even though Australia may not have had the runway clout of Paris or New York, the nation was making significant strides in fashion during the same period. Australian designers’ and models’ distinct styles were impressive – giving fashion heavyweights a run for their money.

    So, what went wrong?

    The 90s turned the fashion industry upside down.

    Australian designers, international success

    In the 1990s, Australian designer houses such as Alannah Hill, Collette Dinnigan, Akira Isogawa and Sass & Bide signified Australia’s “coming of age” in fashion, with each designer bringing a unique flair and Australian sensibility to the international market.

    Alannah Hill created a whimsical aesthetic with an edgy twist. Her designs, worn by celebrities Nicole Kidman, Helena Christensen and Courtney Love, earned her a cult following. Business skyrocketed from her Chapel Street boutique in Melbourne to the department stores Selfridges and Browns in London and Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel in Fifth Avenue, New York City.

    In 1996, Collette Dinnigan gained worldwide acclaim as the first Australian designer to showcase her collection at Paris Fashion Week. Dinnigan’s delicate lace dresses and couture craftsmanship found a spotlight at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum’s Fashion in Motion exhibition. Striking while the iron was hot, Dinnigan secured a lingerie collaboration with Marks & Spencer.

    Collette Dinnigan’s designs were celebrated in a 2015 retrospective exhibition.
    4Susie/Shutterstock

    Akira Isogawa, known for his blend of Japanese and Western aesthetics shared his first collection in 1994. He has presented subsequent collections in Paris bi-annually, a legacy sustained since 1998. Innovative from the jump, he turned early constraints to strengths. When the budget for his first big show didn’t stretch to shoes, he sent models down the runway in little red socks. The fashion statement helped him eventually secure more than 50 retail partners.

    Sass & Bide, founded in 1999 by friends Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton, brought a youthful, urban energy from London’s Portobello Road Markets back to Australian shores. Their signature brand quickly gained popularity and was acquired by Myer in a A$42.3 million two-part deal. Australia was no longer a disconnected island but a wild card in the global fashion ecosystem.

    Australian faces and Elaine George’s Vogue cover

    Australian designers weren’t the only superstars gaining fashion fame.

    By the time the supermodel phenomenon etched itself into the fashion zeitgeist, Australian model and businesswoman Elle Macpherson (known then as The Body) was already well known. Australian models Sarah Murdoch, Kristy Hinze, Kate Fisher and Alyssa Sutherland would follow.

    Sarah Murdoch (nee O’Hare, pictured with Anneliese Seubert and Emma Balfour in 1996) graced Australian catwalks in the 90s.
    Patrick Riviere/Getty

    Magazine cover models throughout the 90s showed sun-kissed “girl next door” charm. The exception was Emma Balfour, often touted as Australia’s androgynous counterpart to Kate Moss’s grunge-bohemian look.

    But 1993 produced a turning point in Australia’s beauty paradigm. It was the year Elaine George, Australia’s first Aboriginal fashion model, arrived on the cover of Vogue Australia magazine, making fashion history. Elaine’s presence highlighted the Australian fashion industry’s prioritisation of Eurocentric beauty ideals.

    First Nations beauty and fashion talent urgently needed celebrating. But Vogue’s Australian readers had to wait until October 2000 until Torres Strait Islander singer-songwriter and actress Christine Anu was featured on the cover. The gap showed the stain of underrepresentation and inequity within Australian fashion’s reputation had remained.

    The 2000s, when fashion got much faster

    While the 1990s were a period of optimism and growth for Australian fashion, the momentum failed to continue into the 2000s. Several factors contributed to this decline.

    One of the most significant changes was the rise of fast fashion in the early 2000s. Brands like Zara, H&M and Forever 21 began dominating the global market with affordable, quickly produced garments.

    This shift left many independent designers, including those from Australia, struggling to compete. The slow, meticulous craftsmanship that had defined Australian designers in the 90s could not keep up with the fast-fashion cycle.

    Another challenge was the lack of sustained support for the Australian fashion industry. Unlike New York, London or Paris, which had well-established fashion infrastructures, Australia’s fashion scene was still relatively young. There was no long-term strategy to nurture emerging talent or to promote Australian fashion on a global scale. Many designers either relocated abroad or found it difficult to maintain the same level of success they had achieved in the 90s.

    A new Renaissance?

    The story of Australian fashion in the 1990s is one of promise, yet ultimately missed opportunity. Today, Australia has a chance to enter a new renaissance fuelled by digital innovation and its unique cultures.

    The rise of digital fashion enables Australian designers to break free from the constraints of traditional fashion markets. With virtual clothing (simulated for real wear or digital realms), AI-powered design tools and metaverse runways, Australian creatives can harness technology to showcase their work globally.

    The championing of Indigenous models, designers and multicultural identity is essential. This inclusivity could position Australia as sustainable and ethical fashion innovator and present a compelling alternative to the fast-fashion giants.

    Sasha Sarago 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. In Vogue: the 90s was a boom time for Australian fashion and faces. What happened? – https://theconversation.com/in-vogue-the-90s-was-a-boom-time-for-australian-fashion-and-faces-what-happened-240784

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IADC South Central Asia Chapter & ONGC Organize 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee Meeting

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: IADC South Central Asia Chapter & ONGC Organize 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee Meeting

    The IADC South Central Asia (SCA) Chapter and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) hosted the 8th Drilling Operations Incident Review Committee (DOIRC) meeting on 24 August. This was the second event with an integrated Onshore and Offshore focus, and it was held at NBP Green Heights in Mumbai. 

    The event witnessed active participation from over 280 attendees of different companies, including 130 online participants from offshore and onshore E&P installations in the Indian subcontinent. Attendees included leaders and key executives from ONGC, drilling companies, and other organizations, demonstrating a shared commitment to safety in drilling operations across the region.

    The safety moment by the HSE Manager of Greatship emphasized the role of human factors in incidents and highlighted the importance of compliance with safety management systems and procedures in the workplace.

    DOIRC Chairman Shri VV Prasad expressed his gratitude to IADC SCAC Chairman & Director (T&FS) ONGC Shri OP Singh for his continuous guidance and support in establishing DOIRC as a structured platform for engagement and collaboration on safety issues in the Indian Drilling Industry. He emphasized that the goal of zero incidents is achievable when safety becomes a shared responsibility.

    In his inaugural address, Sh. O.P. Singh appreciated the continuous efforts made by IADC in collaboration with ONGC to create a safe culture and a safe work environment. A more efficient work environment can be achieved by integrating the guiding principles of the Five M’s – Men, Machine, Material, Method, and Management. He emphasized that digitalization plays a pivotal role in the transformation to latest technologies. The industry needs to support a digital safety culture, enhancing its safety protocols and being prepared for future challenges.    

    The Head of HSE ONGC Mumbai presented an action taken report on previous DOIRC recommendations, their compliance status along with initiatives taken, milestones achieved, and HSE statistics for Quarter-1 of FY 2024-25. Eight incidents from the last quarter were presented by respective rig managers, sharing their root cause analysis learnings from these incidents and corrective actions implemented.

    In his concluding address, Chief of HSE at ONGC advised that the learnings from the incidents discussed at DOIRC should be effectively communicated and implemented across all ONGC installations.

    Mr. Narendra Jindal, Vice chairman of IADC SCA Chapter & Country – Head of Operations at Shelf Drilling, offered the closing remarks and vote of thanks.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: WTO Fish Fund Steering Committee meeting focuses on preparing for full operations

    Source: WTO

    Headline: WTO Fish Fund Steering Committee meeting focuses on preparing for full operations

    The meeting brought together key stakeholders working for the operationalization of the Fish Fund in support of developing and least-developed country (LDC) members’ implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
    “Last time we gathered in July for the Second Steering Committee meeting, I remarked how impressive it was that this Steering Committee had so quickly achieved tangible results and was about to deliberate on the framework documents that will enable the Fish Fund to begin its operations,” Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard said at the meeting. “Since then, I have been following the Committee’s work very closely, and I can see from today’s full agenda that your remarkable efforts are continuing to deliver results.”
    DDG Ellard reported that the Fund has received close to USD 12 million from donors and has signed contribution agreements for more than USD 3.5 million. The members that have contributed to the Fund thus far are Australia, Canada, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and most recently the United Arab Emirates. The United Kingdom has pledged GBP 1 million.
    “These resources will have a real impact, and members are waiting to put them to good use,” DDG Ellard said.
    The Secretariat updated the Steering Committee that the consulting firm Dalberg was selected through a procurement process to develop the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework for the Fish Fund. The Manager of the Fish Fund reported on progress in planning for future calls for project proposals to be supported by the Fund and other updates on strategy, budget, staffing, and communications.
    The meeting also featured a presentation from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) on its Self-Assessment Tool for implementing the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. Belize shared its experiences using this tool.  The Seychelles Fishing Authority unveiled a project to upgrade its fisheries management system.
    Because the new Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies will involve adjustments and enhancements to WTO members’ legislative and administrative frameworks, their transparency and notification obligations, and their fisheries management policies and practices, Article 7 of the Agreement provides for the creation of a voluntary funding mechanism to provide targeted technical assistance and capacity building to help developing and least developed country members with implementation. For the Agreement to enter into force, two-thirds of members have to deposit their “instruments of acceptance” with the WTO. Eighty-four WTO members have formally accepted the Agreement; twenty-seven more are needed for the Agreement to come into effect. Resources from the WTO Fish Fund will be available to members once they have deposited their instrument of acceptance.
    The list of members that have deposited their instruments of acceptance is available here. More information on the Fund is available here.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: CORRECTION – HPH Announces Changes to the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TGUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — he board of directors (the “Board”) of Highest Performances Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: HPH) (“HPH” or the “Company”), today announced a correction to its press release disseminated on October 1, 2024 which announced changes to the board of directors. The original statement regarding the professional experience of the newly appointed Chairperson is entirely replaced and changed to the following: “Since June 2023, Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen has served as the Vice President of WEALTH WILL LIMITED, overseeing operational strategies and driving the company’s capital deployment and growth in multiple emerging markets. Prior to that, from late 2018 until May 2023, she held the position of Sales Director at Trustwell Far East Pte. Ltd., where she was responsible for formulating and executing sales strategies, managing the sales team, analyzing market demands, maintaining customer relationships, and expanding business channels, making significant contributions to the company’s cross-border business. Ms. Nguyen obtained her Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Vietnam National University in 2008 and her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Hanoi University of Science and Technology in 2009.” The rest of the press release remains unchanged. The updated press release follows.

    October 1, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — the board of directors (the “Board”) of Highest Performances Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: HPH) (“HPH” or the “Company”), today announced the appointment of Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen (“Ms. Nguyen”) as the new chairwoman of the Board, effective from September 30, 2024. Ms. Nguyen will succeed Mr. Chin Hua Peh, who will continue to serve as a director of the Company.

    Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen, Director and the Chairwoman of the Board

    Since June 2023, Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen has served as the Vice President of WEALTH WILL LIMITED, overseeing operational strategies and driving the company’s capital deployment and growth in multiple emerging markets. Prior to that, from late 2018 until May 2023, she held the position of Sales Director at Trustwell Far East Pte. Ltd., where she was responsible for formulating and executing sales strategies, managing the sales team, analyzing market demands, maintaining customer relationships, and expanding business channels, making significant contributions to the company’s cross-border business. Ms. Nguyen obtained her Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Vietnam National University in 2008 and her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Hanoi University of Science and Technology in 2009.

    The Board also announces that Mr. Jidong Luo has decided to resign from the Board as director and chairman of the audit committee due to personal reasons, effective from September 30, 2024.

    The Board has also appointed the following individuals to new roles of the Company, effective from September 30, 2024:

    Dr. Lihong Zhai, as independent director and the chairman of the audit committee;

    Ms. Min Zhou, as independent director and the chairwoman of the nominating and governance Committee; and

    Ms. Yingying Li, as independent director and the chairwoman of the compensation committee.

    Ms. Min Zhou, Independent Director and the Chairwoman of the Nominating and Governance Committee

    Ms. Min Zhou has been an executive director of Tian Ruixiang Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ “TIRX”) since April 2024. Prior to this role, Ms. Zhou worked as an investment manager at Huobi Capital from September 2021 to September 2022, where she developing investment plans and agreements for participating in the negotiation and trading of investment projects. She has rich experience in supervising the operation and development of investment projects. From September 2016 to June 2021, Ms. Zhou was the business development manager of Delta Insurance Brokerage Co. , Ltd. Ms. Zhou has extensive experience in ensuring compliance with securities laws and regulations, protecting shareholders’ interests, as well as participating in the formulation of company strategy and supervising management implementation to promote the company’s long-term development and enhance shareholder value. Ms. Zhou graduated from Hunan University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical automation.

    Ms. Yingying Li, Independent Director and the Chairwoman of the Compensation Committee

    Since 2022, Ms. Yingying Li has served as the OEM cotton product director at Qinshu (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd. From July 2021 to October 2022, Ms. Li served as the general manager of the Product Planning Department at Shanghai Metersbonwe Fashion Co., Ltd., where she had extensive experience in leading the planning team to collect, sort, analyze fashion trends, and develop product strategies based on brand positioning and annual business goals. She also had experience in preparing planning proposals, themes, and quarterly development timetables. From October 2017 to June 2021, Ms. Li served as the manager of the Product Planning Department at E-Land Group. She had extensive experience in leading the planning, design, and production teams in conducting product sketch review, sample review at selection meetings, and pricing work to ensure product completion. Ms. Li graduated from Donghua University with a Master’s degree in textile engineering.

    Following the foregoing changes, our Board consists of eight directors, three of which are independent directors, and is chaired by Ms. Nguyen. Our current directors as of the date of this press release are as follows:

    Name   Position
    Hang Suong Nguyen·   Chairwoman of the board
    Yinan Hu   Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    Youjie Kong   Director
    Yong Ren   Director
    Chin Hua Peh   Director
    Lihong Zhai   Independent Director and the Chairman of Audit Committee
    Min Zhou   Independent Director and the Chairwoman of Nominating and Governance Committee
    Yingying Li   Independent Director and the Chairwoman of Compensation Committee
         

    Mr. Yinan Hu, vice-chairman and chief executive officer of HPH, commented: “We would like to extend our warmest welcome to Ms. Nguyen, our new Chairwoman. Ms. Nguyen brings a wealth of industry experience, outstanding leadership, and sharp market insight. I believe her joining will bring new development ideas and opportunities to the Company. Under her leadership, the Company is sure to make great strides in its journey to transform into an intelligent service provider for families and businesses, achieving our mission and making new leaps forward. At the same time, we sincerely thank the outgoing Board member for his valuable contributions to the Company. Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and maintain the momentum of our growth.”

    Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen, chairwoman of HPH, said: “As HPH embarks on its journey of transforming into an intelligent service provider for families and businesses, I look forward to working closely with the Board and management to actively drive the Company’s innovation. By fully leveraging the power of technology, we will build an AI-driven service platform that offers comprehensive and personalized solutions for families and businesses, while also creating greater value for shareholders.”

    Forward-looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When HPH uses words such as “may”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “project”, “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from HPH’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: HPH’s ability to obtain proceeds from the Agreement; HPH’s goals and strategies; HPH’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the growth of the third-party wealth management industry in China; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and the international markets HPH serves and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by HPH with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in HPH’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available for review at http://www.sec.gov. HPH undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Highest Performances Holdings Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CORRECTION – Fanhua Announces Changes to the Board of Directors and Management Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The board of directors (the “Board”) of Fanhua Inc. (Nasdaq: FANH) (the “Company” or “Fanhua”), a leading independent technology-driven financial services provider in China, today issued an updated press release to correct its press release disseminated on October 1, 2024 which announced changes to its board of directors and management team (the “Original Announcement”). The statement regarding the professional experience of the newly appointed chairperson of the Board in the Original Announcement is hereby replaced with and changed to “Since June 2023, Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen has served as the Vice President of WEALTH WILL LIMITED, overseeing operational strategies and driving the company’s capital deployment and growth in multiple emerging markets. Prior to that, from late 2018 until May 2023, she held the position of Sales Director at Trustwell Far East Pte. Ltd., where she was responsible for formulating and executing sales strategies, managing the sales team, analyzing market demands, maintaining customer relationships, and expanding business channels, making significant contributions to the company’s cross-border business. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Vietnam National University in 2008 and her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Hanoi University of Science and Technology in 2009.” Except for the above, there are no other changes to the Original Announcement. The updated press release is as follows.

    GUANGZHOU, China, October 9, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — the board of directors (the “Board”) of Fanhua Inc. (Nasdaq: FANH) (the “Company” or “Fanhua”), a leading independent technology-driven financial services provider in China, today announced that Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Board, effective September 30, 2024.

    Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen, Chairperson of the Board

    Since June 2023, Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen has served as the Vice President of WEALTH WILL LIMITED, overseeing operational strategies and driving the company’s capital deployment and growth in multiple emerging markets. Prior to that, from late 2018 until May 2023, she held the position of Sales Director at Trustwell Far East Pte. Ltd., where she was responsible for formulating and executing sales strategies, managing the sales team, analyzing market demands, maintaining customer relationships, and expanding business channels, making significant contributions to the company’s cross-border business. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Vietnam National University in 2008 and her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Hanoi University of Science and Technology in 2009.

    The Board also announces that incumbent independent directors Mr. Yunxiang Tang and Mr. Allen Lueth, along with incumbent executive director Mr. Ben Lin, have tendered their resignations from the Board due to personal reasons, effective September 30, 2024. Additionally, Mr. Lin has resigned from the position of Chief Strategy Officer.

    The Board has appointed Ms. Jiaxing Shi as Independent Director and the Chair of the Audit Committee and Mr. Changfu Li as Independent Director and the Chair of the Compensation Committee to fill the vacancies left by the departure of Mr. Tang and Mr. Lueth, effective September 30, 2024.

    Ms. Jiaxing Shi, Independent Director and the Chair of Audit Committee

    Ms. Jiaxing Shi has served as the Investment Operations Manager at YD Network Technology Co Ltd. since March 2024, overseeing the company’s investment strategy, and financial due diligence to optimize long-term returns. Prior to this role, she served as senior audit professionals at UHY LLP and Marcum LLP from 2022 to 2024. Prior to that, she served as senior manager position in financial reporting and investor relations role at Aurora Mobile Ltd. (Nasdaq: JG) from 2018 to 2022. She received an MBA Degree in Financial Management from Goldey-Beacom College in 2018 and a Master Degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in 2015. She received Bachelor’s Degree in Inner Mongolia University of Finance and Economics in 2013.

    Mr. Changfu Li, Independent Director and the Chair of Compensation Committee

    Mr. Changfu Li has over a decade of experience in senior management, with a focus on strategic operations and cost management across various industries. Mr. Li has served as a consulting advisor at Beijing Shanying Legal Consulting Co., Ltd since November 2023. Prior to this, he served as a procurement supervisor at Shanghai Sanqing Industrial Development Co., Ltd. from June 2010 to March 2020, where he managed procurement operations and contributed to sales strategy planning. And later he was promoted to Vice President of Administration and Purchasing Manager at the company’s Guangzhou branch in March 2020. Before that, from 2006 to 2010, Mr. Li held the position of procurement associate at Zhejiang Shalangsi Craft Co., Ltd. Mr. Li earned his bachelor’s degree in International Economics and Trade from Yanbian University in 2006.

    With the appointment and departure of these directors, the composition of the Board will be adjusted accordingly. Below is the updated list of board members:

    Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen, Chairperson of Fanhua Inc.

    Mr. Yinan Hu, Vice Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Fanhua Inc.

    Mr. Peng Ge, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Fanhua Inc.

    Mr. Mengbo Yin, Independent Director and Chair of Nominating and Governance Committee of Fanhua Inc.

    Ms. Jiaxing Shi, Independent Director and Chair of Audit Committee of Fanhua Inc.

    Mr. Changfu Li, Independent Director and Chair of Compensation Committee of Fanhua Inc.

    Mr. Yinan Hu, Vice Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Fanhua, commented: “We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Nguyen has been appointed as our new Chairperson, a decision that signifies a major milestone for the Company’s strategic upgrade towards pursuing growth by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. At the same time, we deeply appreciate the significant contributions that Mr. Yunxiang Tang, Mr. Allen Lueth, and Mr. Ben Lin have made during their tenure. As we look ahead, our commitment to our strategic goals and growth remains unwavering. With Ms. Nguyen at the helm as Chairperson, we are poised to build upon our momentum and achieve even greater heights.”

    Ms. Hang Suong Nguyen, Chairperson of Fanhua, stated: “It is my pleasure to join the Board and take on the role of Fanhua’s Chairperson. I understand the significant responsibility that comes with this position and I am confident in our Company’s future. And I look forward to working with all of Fanhua’s team members to meet challenges and achieve great success together.”

    About Fanhua Inc.

    Driven by its digital technologies and professional expertise in the insurance industry, Fanhua Inc. is the leading independent financial service provider in China, focusing on providing insurance-oriented family asset allocation services that covers customers’ full lifecycle and a one-stop service platform for individual sales agents and independent insurance intermediaries.

    With strategic focus on long-term life insurance products, we offer a broad range of insurance products, claims adjusting services and various value-added services to meet customers’ diverse needs, through an extensive network of digitally empowered sales agents and professional claims adjustors. We also operate Baowang (www.baoxian.com), an online insurance platform that provides customers with a one-stop insurance shopping experience.

    For more information about Fanhua Inc., please visit https://ir.fanhgroup.com.

    Forward-looking Statements

    This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements, including the statements relating to the Company’s future financial and operating results, are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about Fanhua and the industry. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to its ability to attract and retain productive agents, especially entrepreneurial agents, its ability to maintain existing and develop new business relationships with insurance companies, its ability to execute its growth strategy, its ability to adapt to the evolving regulatory environment in the Chinese insurance industry, its ability to compete effectively against its competitors, quarterly variations in its operating results caused by factors beyond its control including macroeconomic conditions in China. Except as otherwise indicated, all information provided in this press release speaks as of the date hereof, and Fanhua undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Fanhua believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by Fanhua is included in Fanhua’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F.

    For more information, please contact:

    Fanhua Inc.

    Investor Relations

    Tel: +86 (20) 8388-3191

    Email: ir@fanhgroup.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – Fonterra announces changes to Management Team

    Source: Fonterra

    Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today announced changes to its Management Team to support the next phase of its strategic delivery.  

    Managing Director Co-operative Affairs Mike Cronin has been leading the potential Consumer divestment process and will dedicate his focus to this critical project full time.  

    Former Fonterra alumni Matt Bolger will return to the Co-op and step into the Managing Director Co-operative Affairs position from March 2025.  

    CEO Miles Hurrell says “exploring options for the potential divestment of our Consumer businesses is one of the most important projects Fonterra has undertaken and has the potential to unlock significant value for our farmer shareholders and unit holders.  

    “As we progress this work, Mike will step away from the Managing Director Co-operative Affairs role to dedicate his time to the potential divestment. He will remain a key member of the Fonterra Management Team.  

    “Mike has been with Fonterra since 2002 and has been involved in a number of key strategic projects for the Co-op, including Trading Amongst Farmers, the Governance and Representation Review, the Co-operative Difference and Flexible Shareholding.  

    “Mike is a highly respected leader and industry figure, holding the Managing Director Co-operative Affairs role since 2014. I personally value his trusted advice and strategic leadership. He will remain with the Co-op until the potential divestment process is concluded.

    “I’m also pleased to announce Matt Bolger’s appointment to the Managing Director Co-operative Affairs role and look forward to welcoming him back to the Co-op on the 5th of March,” says Mr Hurrell.  

    Matt spent more than 18 years with Fonterra in a variety of roles, including General Manager Capital Strategy and Director of Farmer Services, as well as time leading global sales teams offshore.  

    He stepped into his current position as Pro Vice-Chancellor of The University of Waikato Management School in 2020 and is the current Chairman of the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ).

    “As Managing Director Co-operative Affairs, Matt will be responsible for functions including Farm Source, Global Stakeholder Affairs and Trade, Governance, Risk and Audit, Corporate Communications, Legal and Māori Strategy.

    “As we implement our revised strategy, Matt’s knowledge of the Co-op’s farmers, stakeholder relations experience and commercial acumen will serve him well,” says Mr Hurrell.  

    Matt completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Georgetown University in Washington DC, majoring in International Business with Minors in English and Japanese.  

    About Fonterra 

    Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer,foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities by Doing Good Together. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: First Federal Savings Bank Partners with Gibco Motor Express, LLC to Help Those Affected by Recent Hurricanes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EVANSVILLE, Ind., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Federal Savings Bank has partnered with Gibco Motor Express, LLC to help those affected by the recent hurricanes. To make it easier for our community to contribute, Gibco has parked a semi-truck at First Federal Savings Bank’s Operations Center at 4920 Davis Lant Drive and is accepting donations of essential items. The semi will remain on site until it is full and will then be transferred to the disaster areas for donation drop-off.

    Donation Details:

    • Location: First Federal Savings Bank Operations Center: 4920 Davis Lant Drive Evansville, IN 47715
    • Dates: Starting October 09, 2024 – until truck is full
    • Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST
    • Items Accepted: Non-perishable food, water, diapers, baby formula, clothing, toiletries, batteries, flashlights, blankets, or anything camping-related

    First Federal Savings Bank has established a fund on behalf of NewSong Church in North Carolina. We will be accepting monetary donations via check made payable to First Federal Savings Bank with Hurricane Relief and Last Name in the memo or sent digitally using Zelle by searching donations@fbei.net. At the end of the campaign, the money collected will be transferred to NewSong Church to provide humanitarian relief in the disaster areas.

    Every donation, big or small, will make a difference. Let’s come together as a community to support those in need.

    About First Federal Savings Bank Member FDIC
    First Federal Savings Bank was established on Evansville, Indiana’s Westside in 1904. A community bank offering eight locations in Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson County. First Federal Savings Bank is also proud to offer Home Building Savings Bank locations in Daviess and Pike County.

    About Gibco Motor Express, LLC
    The foundation for Gibco Motor Express, LLC was laid in 1930 by a man named Vern Gibson. Since then, Gibco has forged a reputation as an industry leader in the transportation of bulk commodities. Based at four locations in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, Gibco is strategically located to meet the transportation needs of its valued customers.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SECNAV Del Toro As-Written Remarks at the San Francisco Fleet Week Senior Leaders Seminar

    Source: United States Navy

    Introduction/Thank you

    Good afternoon, everyone! It is an honor to be here onboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) for the start of San Francisco Fleet Week and this Senior Leader Seminar.

    Mr. Loeven, thank you for inviting me for this wonderful occasion and for providing me with the opportunity to say a few words.

    Captain Harrington, thank you for hosting us here on your ship—this incredible instrument of American naval power and a phenomenal example of our Navy-Marine Corps team.

    Representative Garamendi, it’s wonderful to see you. Thank you for joining us, and for your steadfast partnership and advocacy for our Sailors and Marines in Congress.

    Ambassador Romualdez, it is wonderful to see you. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to strengthen the critical partnership between our nations.

    Lieutenant General Cederholm, thank you for your leadership and guidance of our Marines and Sailors at One MEF.

    Vice Admiral Downey, Ms. Forbes, Mr. Wunderman, Mr. Vaca, and Mr. Gonzales, thank you for being part of the panel in a few minutes to discuss how the Bay Area can work with us to restore our national maritime industry.

    To the rest of our distinguished guests and panelists in later sessions, thank you for coming.

    It truly is wonderful to be back here in San Francisco.

    San Francisco holds a special place in my heart—when I was a student at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, my wife Betty and I would often make the drive up to the city with our kids.

    History

    This city’s rich maritime and naval history and tradition is worth celebrating, not just annually during Fleet Week, but yearlong.

    San Francisco Bay once hosted an extensive Naval presence from Port Chicago to Treasure Island, and two major Naval shipyards—Hunters Point and Mare Island.

    Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the first U.S. Navy base established on the Pacific coast and, in the middle of last century, was the only shipyard on the West Coast that built nuclear submarines.

    In fact, the first commanding officer of Mare Island Naval Shipyard—indeed the man hand selected by the 22nd Secretary of the Navy, James Dobbin to establish the shipyard—was also our Navy’s first Admiral, and our first Hispanic-American Admiral, David Glasgow Farragut.

    I think he’s a little more famous for his service during the Civil War, but I would submit that his work creating a basing and repair station on the West Coast for the Navy had nearly as profound an impact on the future of our Navy and our Nation.

    And during World War I, the Union Iron Works Shipyard south of the Embarcadero built cruisers, submarines, and battleships and during World War II, nearly two thirds of Liberty and Victory ships were built in the Bay area.

    On a more somber note, I was most recently here in July for the 80th commemoration of the Port Chicago Disaster.

    If any of you are unfamiliar with the story, 258 African-American Sailors were wrongfully and shamefully labeled as criminals for refusing to work in unsafe conditions during World War II.

    Thanks to the work of my General Counsel, Mr. Sean Coffey, and his military assistant Captain Justin Pilling, I was able to make the decision in July to set aside the court martial results of all Sailors convicted as part of the Port Chicago incident.

    That action was about more than correcting the historical record.

    It was and is a resounding affirmation of the values we, as Americans, hold dear—justice, equality, and the right to a safe workplace.

    The legacy of the Port Chicago Sailors should inspire us all to be more vigilant, to speak truth to power, and to never give up on the pursuit of liberty and justice.

    San Francisco has long been a key part of our nation’s maritime industry—and our naval heritage.

    And while we don’t currently build naval ships here, our relationships with industry here and academic partnerships through the Naval Postgraduate School are integral to developing the fleet of the future.

    World Today

    The world our nation faces today is much different than when I was sworn in as Secretary of the Navy in August 2021, much less during my career on active duty or the end of World War II.

    In Europe, the unprovoked and illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine continues—and is now well into its third year.

    This conflict poses a direct threat to European security and the principles of democracy and sovereignty upon which our international order is built.

    In July, we, alongside our NATO allies, convened in Washington to reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine.

    We stand united in our commitment to helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, recognizing that their struggle is not just for their own freedom but for the preservation of democracy worldwide.

    Beyond the European theater, for the first time since World War II, we face a comprehensive maritime power—our pacing challenge—in the Indo-Pacific.

    The People’s Republic of China continues to assert its unlawful maritime claims through its naval, coast guard, and maritime militia forces.

    I can assure you that the PRC is watching the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Red Sea closely and drawing valuable lessons for its own strategic ambitions.

    In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, we have been working tirelessly alongside our NATO allies and Middle Eastern partners to protect innocent civilian mariners and commercial shipping from Iranian-aligned Houthi attacks.

    Following the October 7th attacks in Israel one year ago this week, our Navy and Marine Corps were swiftly deployed to the region, forming a formidable and integrated force capable of responding to any threat.

    Carrier Air Wing Three, our “Battle Axe,” played a pivotal role in protecting civilian mariners, deploying over sixty air-to-air missiles and over 420 air-to-surface weapons.

    The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, made significant contributions by deterring hostile Houthi attacks and preventing the conflict from escalating throughout the region.

    Our warships, including the Carney, Mason, Gravely, Laboon, Thomas Hudner, and Eisenhower, have demonstrated exceptional performance under fire, successfully deterring and defeating missile and drone attacks targeting innocent maritime shipping.

    And last week, Cole and Bulkeley—the latter of which I had the honor and privilege to construct and commission as her first commanding officer—launched interceptors in defense of Israel from nearly 200 Iranian ballistic missiles.

    As President Biden said, “Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. We unequivocally condemn this brazen attack by Iran.”

    The actions of our ships and their crews echo the valiant and heroic legacies of their namesakes.

    Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, the namesake of the ship I commissioned, was awarded the Medal of Honor for bringing Douglas MacArthur through Japanese controlled waters in a PT boat to safety in the dark early days of World War II.

    As a destroyer skipper in the Mediterranean later in the war, he spotted a pair of German ships that threatened to overwhelm the group of vulnerable coastal vessels he was assigned to protect.

    Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, and with just one of his destroyer’s main guns operable, Bulkeley charged into close action and sank both German ships without losing a single one of his sailors.

    As he later said of his actions on that day in 1944, and I quote, “What else could I do? You engage, you fight, you win. That was the reputation of our Navy then, and in the future.”

    Ladies and gentlemen, that is still the reputation of our Navy and Marine Corps—and it will remain our reputation because of the brave men and women who have chosen, in this era of accelerating change and uncertainty, to serve our country.

    They truly have earned our deepest respect and gratitude.

    Their exceptional service and courage in the face of danger represents the absolute best of our Navy, Marine Corps, and indeed our Nation.

    And if anyone is inspired to join the Navy or Marine Corps, I’m happy to administer the oath right here!

    Maritime Statecraft

    Last fall, at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, I set out a vision for a new Maritime Statecraft to guide our nation through an era of intense strategic competition.

    This comprehensive approach extends beyond traditional naval diplomacy and maritime competition, encompassing a whole-of-government effort to build robust U.S. and allied maritime power, both commercial and naval.

    Maritime Statecraft recognizes that great naval power requires the solid foundation of a thriving commercial maritime industry.

    Investing in economic development, trade, education, science, innovation, and climate diplomacy can enhance our global competitiveness and support our maritime industry.

    A cornerstone of Maritime Statecraft is the revitalization of U.S. commercial shipping and shipbuilding.

    By restoring the competitiveness of these sectors, we can not only improve the cost-effectiveness of naval shipbuilding but also strengthen our national economy and maritime capabilities.

    To achieve this goal, I have worked tirelessly with cabinet leaders across the administration to raise awareness and advocate for long-term solutions to the Navy’s challenges.

    The solutions to many of our Navy’s most pressing issues lie in renewing the health of our nation’s broader seapower ecosystem.

    A significant step in this direction was our creation of the Government Shipbuilder’s Council.

    This interagency body brings together representatives from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and even the Army to address common ship construction and maintenance challenges.

    Furthermore, we have catalyzed multiple White House-led interagency processes on both naval and commercial shipbuilding, involving the National Security Council, National Economic Council, and various departments across the Executive Branch. These efforts aim to identify and implement effective strategies for strengthening our maritime capabilities.

    In addition, my team is working closely with Congress to revitalize existing authorities and create new incentives for building and flagging commercial ships in the United States.

    By investing in domestic shipbuilding, we can support our naval shipbuilding efforts, create jobs, and boost our domestic manufacturing base.

    And as part of Maritime Statecraft, it is essential to forge strong partnerships with local governments, suppliers, and leaders.

    These collaborations will be instrumental in revitalizing our nation’s maritime industry.

    By working closely with local officials, we can identify and address the specific challenges and opportunities, including potential infrastructure improvements, streamlining regulatory processes, and attracting investment to support shipbuilding, repair, and maritime-related industries.

    I have long advocated for the restoration and expansion of some of our nation’s smaller, dormant, and underutilized shipyards as part of the effort to rebuild our maritime industrial capacity, and nowhere is that more applicable than here in San Francisco.

    We are confident that these initiatives will yield significant returns for naval shipbuilding and sealift.

    By adopting a holistic approach to Maritime Statecraft, we can position the United States to maintain its global leadership and safeguard our national interests.

    Conclusion

    As we move to the panel, I want to leave you with one question.

    The theme for this session is “Reimagining the American Maritime Industry.”

    At the heart of the matter the question I would ask us to ponder today, this week, and moving into our shared future is:

    “How can the Bay Area and the Navy work together to restore the comprehensive maritime power of the United States?”

    Whether through workforce development, improving and increasing maritime infrastructure, partnerships in the technology sector and with academia, or revitalizing dormant or underutilized shipyards, the Navy is prepared to work alongside you, to partner with you, and to succeed together.

    Thank you for joining us today, and may God grant the Navy, the Marine Corps, San Francisco, and indeed our Nation fair winds and following seas.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case, Hirono, Steel, Scott, Moylan And Tokuda Lead Introduction Of Measures In U.S. House and Senate Commemorating October As Filipino-American History Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI 01 and his House colleagues, Reps. Michelle Steel (R-CA 45 ), Robert Cortez (Bobby) Scott (D-VA 3), James Moylan (R-GU) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI 02), have joined U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in co-leading a bipartisan, bicameral measure commemorating October as Filipino-American History Month.

    The Members’ resolution (link to copy below), co-sponsored currently by an additional 33 Members, celebrates the long and distinguished history of Filipino Americans in the United States, where FilAms now number over 4,000,000.

    It resolves that Congress:

    1)   recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month as –

    ·        a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans;

    ·        a time to reflect on and remember the many notable contributions that Filipino Americans have made to the United States; and

    ·        a time to renew efforts toward the research and examination of history and culture so as to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans and to appreciate the historic contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States; and

    2)   urges the people of the United States to observe Filipino American History Month with appropriate programs and activities

    “Since 2019, and as the Member of Congress with the most Filipino Americans of any U.S. House district nationwide, I have been honored to co-lead an annual resolution recognizing October as Filipino American History Month,” said Rep. Case. 

    “I have joined many colleagues in doing so in order to recognize and celebrate the great contributions of Filipino Americans to our country, in government and law, music and entertainment, sports, business and countless other ventures.”

    “From the first Filipino contract laborers who arrived in Hawai‘i seeking a better life, to the Filipino American leaders in business, health care, and our Armed Forces, this community has contributed to our country’s diversity and helped to shape our identity as a nation,” said Sen. Hirono. “As we continue working to uplift the voices of Filipino Americans in Hawai‘i and across the country, I am proud to introduce this resolution to honor the Filipino American community’s contributions and accomplishments and celebrate their rich history and culture.”

    “The Filipino community in Southern California adds rich culture and heritage to our communities, and I am proud to serve as the voice of so many of them in Congress,” said Rep. Steel.

    “As we approach Filipino American History Month, I’m excited to celebrate the enormous contributions of Filipino Americans to our shared American story.”

    “As the only currently serving Member of Congress with Filipino ancestry and Co-Chair of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, I am proud to co-lead this resolution with Reps. Case, Moylan, Steel, Tokuda and Senator Hirono as we celebrate Filipino American History Month,” said Rep. Scott.  “This is a time to recognize Filipino Americans’ contributions as our veterans, our healthcare workers, our educators, and so much more. I have the privilege of representing a rich and vibrant Filipino American community in Hampton Roads and I am proud to celebrate this month with Filipino Americans across the nation.”

    “I am proud to introduce this legislation with my friend, Representative Case. Filipino Americans have been integral to the success of this nation as well as to my district of Guam,” said Rep. Moylan. “It is important we recognize and celebrate the many achievements of these patriots, and I look forward to the countless future achievements by the Filipino American community.”

    “Since arriving in Hawaiʻi in the late 1800s to work on sugarcane and pineapple plantations, Filipinos played an important role in the history, culture, and fabric of Hawaiʻi,” said Rep. Tokuda. “They have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to my home state and the country and that’s why I’m proud to cosponsor this measure, celebrating the historical achievements and milestones that make up Filipino American History Month.”

    Case continued: “Since their early beginnings, our Filipino American community has grown to some 4.4 million citizens and is the third largest Asian American and Pacific Islander group in the United States. Their mark lies in all parts of our society, with a bright future of further contributions to come.

    “In introducing our resolution, we also recognize the increasingly strong and critical ties between our country and the Republic of the Philippines. We also again honor the over 250,000 Filipinos who answered the call to protect and defend America and the Philippines in the Pacific theater, and who were awarded the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal by Act of Congress and bestowed by President Obama in 2016.”

    Filipino-American History Month resolution is here.

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. House Passes Case Measure To Further Strengthen Partnerships Between The United States And Pacific Island Nations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (Hawai’i-First District) today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 7159, his proposed Pacific Partnership Act, to further increase U.S. engagement in the critical Pacific region.

    Case, a Co-Chair and Founding Member of the first-ever Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus, introduced the measure together with 25 other bipartisan colleagues. 

    “Our country’s Indo-Pacific Strategy states in no uncertain terms that no region is of more consequence to the world and to everyday Americans than the Indo-Pacific,” said Case in remarks during full House debate on the measure. “The United States and our allies and partners around the world who are aligned with an international rules-based order share the common vision  of a free and open Indo-Pacific whose governance, priorities, goals and prosperity are determined by the countries of the Indo-Pacific  without manipulation and dominance by malicious actors.

    “This is especially true of the Pacific Islands themselves, in the heart of the Pacific, which today face the challenges of increased natural disasters and human and drug trafficking, economic sustainability, threats to democracy and more. It is crucial that the United States continue to extend our hand of full partnership in assisting the countries of the Pacific to meet these challenges, as we have for generations.”

    The Pacific Partnership Act requires an annually-updated Strategy for Pacific Partnership that sets specific goals for United States engagement with the Pacific Islands, assesses the threats and pressures to the region and a plan to address such threats, and analyzes the needs and goals of the Pacific Islands in the context of the national interests of the United States. The bill also requires the strategy to be developed in consultation with the governments of Pacific Islands countries, ensuring that the United States follows through on its commitment to support Pacific-led priorities. The bill further extends diplomatic courtesies to the Pacific Islands Forum, the primary multilateral organization of the Pacific Islands nations, and requires increased collaboration in U.S. efforts in the Pacific with ally and partner nations including Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

    “I am honored to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Case that builds off of the actions of successive administrations to strengthen United States engagement in the Pacific Islands,” said Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY 6th District).  “It is essential that the United States demonstrates that we are not merely interested in the region, but we are invested in an evolving, enduring relationship with our Pacific Islands partners. 

    “This important, forward-looking legislation ensures that all arms of the United States government are in coordination to support a rules-based order and address threats to sovereign nations across the region.”

    “As a Pacific nation, the United States has a responsibility to engage and strengthen the partnerships that have ensured the region’s security and prosperity for decades,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY 5th District), the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which approved Case’s bill unanimously. “This legislation will ensure future administrations build on President Biden’s leadership to maintain our focus on the Pacific Islands.”

    “I want to thank Congressman Case for this much-needed bipartisan bill, said Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa).  “The United States is a Pacific nation, and our region is critically important to U.S. interests. While Congress has extended the Compacts of Free Association for another 20 years for three Pacific Island countries, there are 11 other nations who need our attention. The United States has enduring cultural, historic, economic, and people-to-people connections with the Pacific Islands. The Pacific Partnership Act will go far in providing better focus for U.S. engagement with Pacific Island nations.”

    “The United States is a Pacific nation, and it is critical that we partner with our friends in the Pacific to tackle shared challenges including climate resilience, healthcare, and economic development,” said Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA 6th District). “This bill designates the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as an international organization with diplomatic privileges and encourages the establishment of a PIF mission in America. The bill also solidifies our commitment to the region by codifying the Pacific Partnership Strategy. By strengthening our diplomatic presence in the region, we ensure that the United States remains a reliable partner in promoting a free, resilient, and prosperous Pacific.”

    “The Pacific Partnership Act bolsters our longstanding relationship with the Pacific Islands, a crucial region in our defense against the Chinese Communist Party,” said Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR 3rd District).

    “This bill strengthens our partnerships and supports American defense. This is particularly meaningful to my constituents in Northwest Arkansas, given the high concentration of Marshallese in our region. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill and am pleased it passed the House.”

     “We must counter ongoing aggression from the PRC by building effective relationships with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA 36th District). “The Pacific Partnership Act would support diplomatic, strategic and economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific and strengthen our defenses against CCP aggression. I am pleased to have been a cosponsor on this important bill and am hopeful that it will be signed into law.”

    “Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the critical importance of American leadership in the Indo-Pacific,” said Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL 2nd District).  “Continuing the crucial partnership to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security ties with the Pacific Islands is essential to counteract the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party.

    “The Pacific Partnership Act benefits both America and the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. must continue to show strength and promote regional stability and cooperation.”

    “The U.S. shares a long history with the Pacific Islands, and we must continue to prioritize our diplomatic, economic, and security relationships in the region,” said Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA 47th District).  “Pacific Islanders abroad and in the U.S. are counting on us to counter Chinese aggression, right our historic wrongs, and strengthen our cooperation with these important partners. As a member of the Natural Resources Committee’s Indo-Pacific Taskforce and a cosponsor of the Pacific Partnerships Act, I’m glad we are moving forward on developing a forward-looking framework to help shape U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific for the years to come.”

    “The Pacific Partnerships Act stands to shift America’s perspective of global affairs, by acknowledging our country’s deep cultural ties to the Pacific and refocusing on the region as core to national security,” said Congressman James Moylan (R-Guam).

    “The bill’s requirement for consecutive national strategies on Pacific will provide continuity and focus to our nation’s engagement with Pacific partners. I thank Rep. Case for his work on this bill, and his specific focus on elevating small pacific island communities such as Guam.”

    “The U.S.’s longstanding partnerships with the Pacific Islands are critical to national security. The Pacific Partnership Act, which I was proud to cosponsor, ensures we have a strategy for engaging with nations in the Indo-Pacific region and sets us up to support our allies while also preserving U.S. diplomatic, economic, and security interests,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ 1st District). “Today, I was pleased to see this legislation pass the House of Representatives, marking an important step forward in enhancing our national security.”

    “Supporting our friends and allies in the Indo-Pacific is essential to guaranteeing American security in the region and across the world,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8th District). “This legislation will bolster security, stability, and growth across the Pacific Islands while expanding collaboration on efforts to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s continuing aggression.”

    “A strong Indo-Pacific is critical for our national security and economy,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-WA 10th District). “The Pacific Islands are key partners, and the Pacific Partnership Act further solidifies our relationship and diplomacy with them.”

    Case continued: “As ourselves a Pacific nation for over two centuries, we have enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership with the Pacific Islands which only continues to increase in historic, economic, cultural and strategy significance.

    “Our Pacific Partnership Act advances the breadth and depth of our engagement with the Pacific Islands on issues of particular importance to the Pacific Islands, as recently reconfirmed in the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Tonga. In doing so, we advance the mutual national and international interests of like-minded nations throughout the Indo-Pacific who are committed to an international rules-based democratic order.”

    ·        Copy of H.R. 7159 is here.

    ·        Summary of the bill is here.

    ·        Text of Case’s House Remarks are here.

    ·        Video Case’s Remarks Pacific Partnership Act Floor Speech

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Buncombe County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Buncombe County

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Buncombe County

    Raleigh, N.C. – A Disaster Recovery Center will open Thursday, Oct. 10 in Asheville (Buncombe County) to assist North Carolina survivors who experienced losses from Helene.

    The Buncombe County center is located at: 

    A.C. Reynolds High School
    1 Rocket Dr.
    Asheville, NC 28803
    Open: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday  

    A Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more.

    FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses.

    A Comfort Care Center will also be available at this location where survivors can shower, do laundry and take advantage of other services.

    Additional recovery centers will be opening soon. To find other center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.  

    Homeowners and renters in 27 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center. No appointment is needed. 

    It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

    For the latest information about the North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    barbara.murien…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Hurricane Helene Recovery Continues as Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Prepares for Hurricane  Milton

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    The Biden-Harris Administration continues to both make urgent and life-saving preparations for Hurricane Milton and carry out response and recovery efforts for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
    Today, President Biden and Vice President Harris received a briefing from members of their Administration about updates on the latest forecast for Hurricane Milton, expected impacts for the State of Florida, and the robust pre-landfall preparations underway. They also received an update on the ongoing response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene across the Southeast and Appalachia. President Biden will address the Nation tonight regarding Hurricane Milton.
    President Biden has spoken to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, and Pinellas County Chairwoman Kathleen Peters to get firsthand reports on recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene and to discuss preparations for Hurricane Milton. The President told each of the officials to call him directly if they need additional assistance on response and recovery efforts.
    More than 8,000 Federal personnel are on the ground across the Southeast, including in Florida, to continue Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and respond to the impacts of Hurricane Milton.
    At the direction of President Biden, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will travel to Florida tonight to join the personnel on the ground and ensure every Floridian gets the help they need when this storm passes.
    Additional updates on our efforts for Hurricanes Milton and Helene include:
    Hurricane Milton Pre-Landfall Preparations
    Pre-Landfall Outreach and Emergency Declarations
    President Biden granted pre-landfall emergency declarations for the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida for Hurricane Milton, enabling FEMA to provide direct assistance to the state, local and Tribal response, preposition supplies and response assets and mobilize hundreds of personnel in the state, many of whom were already in place supporting the Hurricane Helene response.
    The White House has been in contact with more than 60 Florida officials from all 51 counties that fall under the pre-landfall Emergency Declaration approved by President Biden. We remain in close communication with officials in the 16 cities and counties that will likely be in the direct path of the storm.
    Surging Resources and Personnel to Florida
    FEMA has over 1,000 responders on the ground in Florida supporting Hurricane Milton preparations and recovery efforts from previous disasters. There are over 1,400 search and rescue personnel pre-staged to support Hurricane Milton response efforts.
    The U.S. Coast Guard has 1,300 personnel stationed in Florida ready to immediately assist with life-saving and life sustaining search and rescue operations throughout the State. The Coast Guard also has personnel ready who will work directly with the U.S. Army Corps of engineers to assess and open the critical lifeline of the Port of Tampa as quickly as possible to ensure necessary supplies and fuel can start to flow into the impacted areas again.
    The State of Florida has activated over 6,000 members of the National Guard and expects to bring on an additional 3,000 National Guard members from Florida and other States to support State response activities.
    The Federal government has pre-positioned resources to support local and state response efforts ahead of Hurricane Milton. FEMA pre-staged seven FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams, eight federal Urban Search & Rescue and swift water rescue teams, three U.S. Coast Guard Swift Water Rescue teams, 10 HealthCare System Assessment Teams, two U.S Army Corps of Engineers temporary power teams, debris experts, Environmental Protection Agency wastewater experts, over 500 ambulances, 20 helicopters prepared to support media requirements following landfall, and 60 High Water Vehicles with ladders from the Department of Defense.
    Additionally, FEMA has five incident staging bases with commodities including food and water. Right now, FEMA has 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water ready to deploy to address ongoing Helene and Milton response efforts with capacity to expand as needed.
    The Department of Defense is ready to support air search-and-rescue efforts, support urban search-and-rescue teams, provide helicopters to move personnel and equipment, and provide high water vehicles. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is staged across the area of impact and is prepared to support debris management, assessments of infrastructure and water/wastewater facilities, temporary power installations, and flood/water mitigation efforts.
    Additional Efforts to Support Pre-Landfall Preparations and Protect Communities
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is leveraging state-of-the-art technology to keep communities safe throughout the southeast. NOAA’s fleet of “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft gather vital data to help improve track and intensity forecasts, supporting the 24-7 work of the National Weather Service (NWS). NWS provides the real-time, accurate information that assists local meteorologists and emergency operations leaders protect their communities and combat weather misinformation. Additionally, data from reconnaissance planes and drones used to survey damage following Hurricane Helene’s landfall will help us better prepare for post-Milton recovery operations.
    The Department of Energy’s Energy Response Organization remains activated to respond to storm impacts. Via the Electricity Sub-Sector Coordinating Council and Oil and Natural Gas Sub-Sector Coordinating Council, the Department has been coordinating continuously with energy sector partners on both the ongoing Hurricane Helene response and potential impacts from Hurricane Milton.
    The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has notified local public housing authorities and owners of its assisted multifamily and heath care properties within the State of Florida to immediately implement all appropriate safety protocols for residents and workers. HUD is committed to ensuring that residents of its assisted homes and properties receive critical information that can save lives during extreme weather events. HUD is also conducting outreach and communications on the programmatic flexibilities and waivers that can be utilized to assist communities and survivors. Additionally, HUD is working with communities, shelter operators and homelessness services providers to prepare and support them—in collaboration with FEMA and disaster assistance organizations such as the Red Cross—as they provide life-saving assistance before and after the storm.
    The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is assessing potential critical supply chain disruptions following Hurricane Helene’s impact on the IV solution supply chain. ASPR is coordinating with B Braun, an IV solution manufacturer with a facility in Daytona Beach, Florida, to move their product out of the path of the storm and facilitate other activities that will mitigate potential impacts on future distribution. ASPR and HHS partners are committed to continue working with public and private partners to support the supply chain as facilities address return to full operational capacity. ASPR is encouraging manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors to evaluate product allocation and healthcare providers to implement product conservation strategies to maximize available supply. ASPR is in communication with stakeholders to reduce disruption and facilitate product allocation.
    Protecting Impacts to Power and Travel Infrastructure
    The Department of Transportation is deploying a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Field Incident Response team to Florida and pre-staging operations in Jacksonville to support any impacted towers and airports. The team will work with the State and local authorities and the Department of Defense within the established Emergency Operations Center. The Department of Transportation is also deploying the FAA Communication Support Team (CST), which plays a critical role in restoring communications at impacted air traffic management facilities. Specifically, the CST will set up Starlink and Mobile Phone Bonding kits, which increase signal stability and data throughout the region. The FAA Air Traffic Organization Technical Operations Team is on-site and leading the restoration efforts for communications at air traffic facilities. The FAA is placing aircraft on standby to transport personnel from various agencies, mobilize resources, and support damage assessments to infrastructure.
    The FAA granted permission to the utility Florida Power & Light to use large Teros drones to assist with damage assessments and power restoration after Milton passes. These 1,800-pound drones can fly in harsh conditions and operate in winds up to 70 mph before crewed aircraft are able to fly.
    The Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and is prepared to rapidly process Emergency Relief (ER) funding requests from FDOT. The ER program helps pay for long-term, permanent repairs, and other immediate emergency repairs, such as protecting remaining facilities and restoring essential traffic. It reimburses State, local, federal, Tribal, and territorial governments for eligible expenses associated with damage from natural disasters or other emergency situations based on their requests.
    Hurricane Helene Response and Recovery
    The Department of Defense continues to support search-and-rescue operations, route clearance, and commodities distribution across western North Carolina with 1,500 active-duty troops. The Department of Defense is also employing additional capabilities to assist with increasing situational awareness across the remote terrain of Western North Carolina. The Army Corps of Engineers continues missions supporting temporary emergency power installations, infrastructure assessments, and debris management oversight.
    Mobilizing Financial Assistance and Surging Additional Personnel and Resources
    Over $344 million in assistance has been provided to Hurricane Helene survivors. President Biden approved a 100 percent Federal cost-share for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to assist in those States’ response efforts. In North Carolina alone, FEMA has approved over $60 million in aid for more than 51,000 households.
    FEMA personnel and other Federal partners, including FEMA’s Surge Capacity Force, remain on the ground supporting impacted communities, with over 17.2 million meals and 13.9 million liters of water delivered and ensuring information is accessible, including resources in preferred languages and ASL.
    Over the course of the last two weeks, 1,000 Urban Search and Rescue personnel have assisted over 3,200 survivors. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods in all Helene-affected States helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional State, local, Federal and voluntary agency resources.
    Supporting Infrastructure Recovery
    The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced over $130 million in Quick Release Emergency Relief funding to support North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The funding represents a down payment to address the immediate needs to restore vital transportation systems in these states. Additional funding will flow to affected communities from the Emergency Relief program.
    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) worked with partners to ensure the national airspace returned to steady state operations and all airports across impacted states reopened. The FAA’s Security and Hazardous Materials Safety Communication Support Team was deployed to restore communications to impacted airports, including delivering satellite communications kits to the Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina and ongoing work at Valdosta Regional Airport in Georgia. The FAA Air Traffic Organization Technical Operations Team is on-site and leading communications restoration efforts at air traffic facilities. FAA also supported FEMA with two aircrafts to conduct flyover assessments and transport emergency personnel and gear, such as satellite communications kits.
    Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued Regional Emergency Declarations for Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. This Declaration affords emergency regulatory relief from Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, including maximum driving time for property- and passenger-carrying vehicles from the date of declaration. This allows truck drivers to get essential supplies to affected areas. The FMCSA Regional Declaration eliminates the need for each individual state to request a 14-day extension and allows FMCSA the ability to manage one declaration that includes all eight states and does not expire until October 27.
    NOAA continues to support post-disaster imagery flights following Hurricane Helene, already totaling over 68 flight hours during 20 flights, including over western North Carolina. NOAA is currently repositioning to support Florida and the impacts of Hurricane Milton. NOAA’s aerial imagery captures damage to coastal areas caused by a storm and aids safe navigation. Aerial imagery is a crucial tool to determine the extent of the damage from flooding, and to compare baseline coastal areas to assess the damage to major ports and waterways, coastlines, critical infrastructure, and coastal communities. This imagery not only supports FEMA and the broader response community, but the public at large.
    Supporting Students and Student Loan Borrowers
    The U.S. Department of Education is lifting up a series of resources for students, families, and borrowers impacted by these hurricanes. These resources include guidance, in person support, technical assistance, and peer-to-peer connections for state and local leaders; resources for recovery needs such as mental health support for students and educators; flexibilities to help institutions of higher education continue to manage the Federal financial aid programs; and automatically enrolling affected borrowers with missed payments into a natural disaster forbearance. Thanks to regulations issued by the Biden-Harris Administration, this forbearance will count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and income-driven repayment forgiveness.
    Providing Financial Flexibilities to Homeowners and Taxpayers
    The Department of Housing and Urban Development is providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. The moratorium and extension are effective as of the President’s disaster declaration date in each state. When homes are destroyed or damaged to an extent that reconstruction or complete replacement is necessary, HUD’s Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims. Borrowers from participating FHA approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing including closing costs. HUD’s Section 203(k) loan program enables individuals to finance the purchase or refinance of a house, along with its repair, through a single mortgage. Homeowners can also finance the rehabilitation of their existing homes if damaged. FHA is coordinating and collaborating with the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Agriculture to ensure consistent messaging and policies for single family loans regarding foreclosure moratoriums and repayment/arrearage agreements. Additionally, affected homeowners that have mortgages through Government-Sponsored Enterprises – including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – and the FHA are eligible to suspend their mortgage payments through a forbearance plan for up to 12 months.
    The Internal Revenue Service announced disaster tax relief for all individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene, including the entire states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina and parts of Florida, Tennessee and Virginia. Taxpayers in these areas now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service is providing more than 1,000 employees to help with FEMA disaster relief call lines and intake initial information to help disaster victims get federal relief. IRS Criminal Investigation agents are also on the ground in devastated areas to help with search and rescue efforts and other relief work – including assisting with door-to-door search efforts.
    Protecting Public Health
    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program for North Carolina to aid uninsured residents in replacing prescription medicines or certain medical equipment lost or damaged in Hurricane Helene.
    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working closely with state and local officials to restore drinking water service in North Carolina and across the Southeast as well as provide assistance in debris and hazardous waste clean-up efforts.
    Supporting Workers and Worker Safety
    The U.S. Department of Labor announced initial emergency grant funding to Florida to support disaster-relief jobs and training services to help respond to Hurricane Helene. Additional grant funding for North Carolina is forthcoming. The National Dislocated Worker Grant – supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 – allows the Florida Department of Commerce to provide people with temporary disaster-relief jobs and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to address immediate, basic needs for those displaced by Hurricane Helene. The funding also enables the state to provide training and services to individuals in the affected communities.
    Working alongside the Department of Labor, the States of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee have all announced that eligible workers can receive federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance to compensate for income lost directly resulting from Hurricane Helene. And, through the Department of Labor’s innovative partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, displaced workers from North Carolina and South Carolina can now go to the post office in any other state and verify their ID for purposes of getting their benefits quickly.
    The Department of Labor is also working alongside on-the-ground personnel providing disaster relief, recovery, and rebuilding to prevent additional workplace disasters. This includes producing a worker safety training resource for resilience workers in Florida who are continuing to clear debris, rebuild infrastructure, and prepare for Hurricane Milton. This also includes activating the Wage and Hours Division Natural Disaster outreach, education and strategic enforcement program to provide employers and workers with the information they need to ensure everyone is paid correctly under the law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon’s Value Brands offers support to customers impacted by Hurricane Milton

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon’s Value Brands offers support to customers impacted by Hurricane Milton

    ALPHARETTA, GA – In response to Hurricane Milton’s forecasted impact on Florida, Verizon’s Value brands, including Straight Talk, Tracfone, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, Net10, GoSmart, Page Plus, and Verizon Prepaid are providing an initial relief offer to help affected customers.

    We are extending service end dates to October 23, 2024 for customers in the following Florida counties using Straight Talk, Tracfone, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, Net10, GoSmart, and Page Plus:

    Alachua, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, DeSoto, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Saint Johns, Saint Lucie, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia.

    Verizon will also waive domestic call, text, and data usage for Verizon Value Prepaid customers in the same counties.

    Customers do not have to take any action to take advantage of the offer.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Speech – Australian Technology Network 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Rankings are in the media today. And I have said this before, but I will say it again.

    When I think about the best universities in Australia, I don’t look at rankings.

    I look at what they do.

    And when I do that I see universities like you.

    Universities that are the real deal when it comes to fairness and opening the doors of opportunity.

    When it comes to helping more people from poor families and the regions to get a crack.

    Things that are important to me.

    On average only about 15 per cent of university students are from poor families.

    Across your six universities combined, it’s much higher than that.

    At universities like Newcastle, it’s as high as 24 per cent. At the University of South Australia, 25 per cent.

    That sort of university doesn’t just change the lives of the students they teach.

    It ricochets through generations.

    They transform communities.

    And I am going to give Newcastle a plug again, because there is no better example of that than their Open Foundation program.

    It’s been running now for 50 years.

    A free program that helps people who aren’t ready for uni to be ready.

    About 70,000 people in the last 50 years.

    One in five people who get a degree from Newcastle Uni today start with one of these free courses.

    People like Jennifer Baker.

    Jennifer was a mum at 19. She worked in hospitality for 10 years. One day, just by chance, she saw an ad in the paper for one of these free courses.

    Now she’s got a science degree, an honours degree, a PhD and a Fulbright scholarship.

    She’s a computational medicinal chemist.

    That’s what these courses do. That’s what I call a great university.

    And that’s what I am trying to replicate across the country with the legislation in the Parliament right now, that massively expands these Fee-Free Uni Ready Courses.

    This is supported by a funding injection in the Budget of an extra $350 million.

    I know you are doing a lot of the heavy lifting already.

    Reforms like this, and the ones to come, are because I want you to do even more.

    Of course, it’s not just equity that binds you together or makes you great.

    You can see it in your name.

    The ATN was formed 25 years ago from the five largest Institutes of Technology. And you are still focused on that mission.

    Still doing the heavy lifting when it comes to producing engineers in this country.

    But what makes you great in my eyes isn’t just what you are doing here at home.

    It’s what you are taking to the world.

    I am talking about the campuses you have set up around the world – from India to Vietnam, Singapore to Malaysia to Indonesia.

    You get that international education isn’t a one way street.

    That it shouldn’t just be about students coming here to study, but it can also be about taking what we do to them.

    Almost every one of you are doing this.

    And that tells me this a group of universities that doesn’t just expect things to happen, you go out and make it happen.

    There’s a bit happening at the moment.

    The international education legislation is being debated in the Senate this week.

    The first of the Accord Bills is being debated in the House.

    That’s the one that uncaps funding for those free university ready courses. It also wipes about $3 billion of student debt for three million Australians and introduces the Commonwealth prac payment.

    The second of the Accord Bills – the Bill that establishes a National Student Ombudsman, has just passed the House.

    I will also introduce legislation to establish a National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.

    And before the end of the year I will also set out the details of the next stage of the Accord.

    What the Australian Tertiary Education Commission will look like. And the details of managed growth and needs based funding.

    And that’s just higher ed.

    There is also legislation in the House to implement the 15 percent pay rise we announced for early educators a few weeks ago.

    And tomorrow I will introduce legislation to increase funding to our public schools.

    To remove the ceiling that stops the Australian government providing more than 20 percent of the funding needed for public schools, and make it a floor.

    To help finish the job that David Gonski started more than a decade ago.

    And to tie that funding to the sort of reforms that are needed to help more young people from poor families and from the regions to finish school and knock on your door.

    None of these reforms are easy.

    All of them are hard.

    And all of them are necessary.

    If we are going to really build a better and a fairer education system, these are the sorts of things we have to do.

    And you are an important part of that.

    You know like I do how important all of this is.

    That education is the most powerful cause for good in this country.

    That it’s the greatest tool we have to build a country where your chances in life don’t depend on who your parents are, where you live or the colour of your skin.

    A country that the Prime Minister describes as a place where no one is held back and no one is left behind.

    We can be that country.

    And our education system can make it real.

    But that means serious reform.

    The sort we are doing now.

    And more.

    And it will be better because of your input.

    Thank you for the work you do and for the constructive role you have played for the last 25 years.

    I look forward to continuing to work with you as we build a better and a fairer education system for all Australians.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Lantronix Announces Five New System-in-Package Solutions Powered by Qualcomm for AI/ML and Video Solutions at the Edge

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions, today announced its powerful new System-in-Package (SiP) solutions powered by Qualcomm® Technologies’ chipsets that reinforce Lantronix’s position in industrial and enterprise IoT innovation, bringing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities to the edge.

    “Qualcomm Technologies and Lantronix have had strong relationships for more than 15 years,” stated Dev Singh, vice president of Business Development and head of Industrial Automation at Qualcomm Technologies Inc. “Utilizing Qualcomm Technologies’ cutting-edge processors, Lantronix enables its customers to seamlessly deploy AI solutions at the edge, bringing its expertise in embedded computing and IoT to deliver reliable, industrial-grade systems.”

    With a combination of leading-edge performance and cost efficiency, Lantronix’s five new SiP families are set to accelerate the development of AI-driven applications in industrial and enterprise use cases, including robotics, industrial automation, video surveillance, video collaboration and drones. The new SiP modules are compliant with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

    “With the addition of these five new SiP solutions, we continue our strategic collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies that has enabled Lantronix to build a proven track record of successfully delivering integrated, collaborative solutions that are driving forward IoT and AI/ML technologies to meet the evolving needs of today’s advanced-edge applications,” said Mathi Gurusamy, chief strategy officer for Lantronix.

    Lantronix enables the creation of superior, high-performance AI-driven applications by integrating AI capabilities from the Qualcomm® AI Hub. The Qualcomm AI Hub provides a reference base of more than 100 AI models and a simplified model optimization process to efficiently utilize AI capabilities (3.5 to 100 INT-8 TOPS) in these SiP families.  

    IQ9 Series SiPs for Industrial and Robotics Applications

    Lantronix’s pin-compatible 9100IQ and 9075IQ SiPs, powered by the Qualcomm® IQ-9100 and IQ-9075 processors, provide scalable, power-efficient and robust computing to autonomous devices and next-generation Industry 4.0 designs using advanced AI. The new IQ9 Series can enable:

    • Robust safety functions in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) or platforms with functional safety (FuSa) up to level SIL-3 level (IQ-9100-based SiPs only)
    • Device robustness with fault tolerance Error Correction Code (ECC) memory support and system cost savings by leveraging an integrated, dedicated safety island (IQ-9100) or real-time subsystem (IQ-9075) with four dedicated independent processing cores supporting real-time operating systems for system error monitoring and other critical functions.
    • Robot perception, navigation and versatility improvement through a powerful Qualcomm® Adreno™ 663 GPU and support for up to 16 concurrent cameras.
    • Interactive industrial edge AI systems utilizing up to 100 TOPS by integrating Large Language Model (LLM) support at the edge. The IQ9 Series Hexagon tensor processor can achieve a generation rate of 12 tokens per second when running the Llama 2 13B parameter mode.
    • Fanless systems to enhance operating temperature with the SiP family supporting a -40°C to 115°C junction temperature range.

    Learn more about Lantronix’s 9100IQ and 9075IQ SiP families here. 

    Lantronix’s Open-Q 8550CS for Advanced Video and AI Applications

    Building on the success of its existing Open-Q SiP portfolio, Lantronix’s Open-Q 8550CS family, powered by Qualcomm® Technologies’ QSC8550 processor, delivers high AI performance, power efficiency and advanced Wi-Fi® 7 and Bluetooth® 5 connectivity, making it ideal for long-term, high-demand edge computing applications. Benefits include the abilities to:

    • Enhance video conferencing meeting experiences, automated guided vehicle pathing, smart camera image quality and edge AI box scalability with the family’s octal-core computing capabilities and 48 AI TOPS tensor performance.
    • Perform complex 3D rendering and computer vision tasks with a powerful Adreno 740 GPU supporting ray tracing, Open GL ES, Vulkan and Open CL profiles and 4K240/8K60 video decoding and 4K120/8K30 encoding.
    • Connect edge AI boxes leveraging high-speed 2.5G and 10G Ethernet ports.

    Learn more about Lantronix’s Open-Q 8550CS SiP family here. 

    Lantronix’s Open-Q 6490CS and 5430CS for Scalable AI Solutions

    Lantronix’s pin-compatible Open-Q 6490CS and Open-Q 5430CS families, powered by Qualcomm® Technologies’ QCS6490 and QCS5430 processors, allow customers to scale their product lines with minimal development effort while benefiting from low-power AI performance, Wi-Fi 6E and BLE 5+ connectivity as well as flexible peripheral expansion. Features include:

    • Real-time machine learning on 6th-generation AI engine, delivering 3.5 to 13 AI TOPS and complemented with up to octal-core CPU and Adreno 640 class GPU. 
    • Advanced multimedia and AI powered camera support through up to three concurrent ISPs supporting up to 192MP cameras, 4K30 encoding and 4K60 decoding, sufficient to handle up to 8 camera streams simultaneously for video-intensive applications.
    • Percepxion™ device management for over-the-air (OTA) upgrades for performance, security and software feature improvements. 

    Learn more about Lantronix’s Open-Q 6490CS here and 5430CS families here.

    About Lantronix   

    Lantronix Inc. is a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth industries including Smart Cities, Automotive and Enterprise. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to succeed in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that address each layer of the IoT Stack. Lantronix’s leading-edge solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing. 

    For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements related to our Open-Q SIP solutions for Qualcomm developers. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, future business, financial condition, or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other outbreaks, wars and recent tensions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, or other factors; future responses to and effects of public health crises; cybersecurity risks; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 9, 2024; as well as in our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in our future filings. The forward-looking statements included in this release speak only as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. 

    © 2024 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

    Qualcomm-branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm and Adreno are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated. 

    Lantronix Media Contact:         
    Gail Kathryn Miller 
    Corporate Marketing & 
    Communications Manager 
    media@lantronix.com
    949-212-0960 

    Lantronix Analyst and Investor Contact:         
    investors@lantronix.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Opinion piece: Albanese good for growth in the west

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    The most recent growth statistics showed that the Australian economy faces some strong headwinds. In an environment where global growth is subdued, the national economy grew just 0.2 per cent in the June 2024 quarter. Yet Western Australia’s growth was considerably faster. With a quarterly growth rate of 0.9 per cent, Western Australia tied with South Australia as the fastest‑growing state in the nation.

    There are other positive signs. Investment in WA continues to grow, reflecting business confidence in WA’s future. In the past financial year, the value of new capital expenditure in Western Australia rose 18.5 per cent in the mining industry and 16.9 per cent in non‑mining industries. This new investment accounts for nearly a quarter of Australia’s new private investment, showing that WA continues to punch above its weight.

    As pro‑growth progressives, we recognise that government has a role to play in boosting the growth rate and continuing to build on WA’s economic success. Higher productivity also increases the speed limit of the economy, allowing Australians to live longer, and live better.

    What are the best policies to encourage growth? As the nation’s most export‑oriented state, international settings are of particular significance for Western Australia. Since coming to office, the Albanese government has sought to stabilise Australia’s relationships with our major trading partners.

    Under the former Coalition government, China effectively closed the door to many of our exports. Since May 2022, as a result of the Albanese government’s calm and consistent approach – in concert with a great deal of hard work and advocacy by industry – most of the Australian products previously subject to impediments have been able to re‑enter China’s market. That includes coal, cotton, timber logs, barley, and wine. Trade impediments imposed by China on around $20 billion of Australian exports remain on less than $1 billion.

    We have also worked to build stronger partnerships with countries throughout our region. Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Trade Minister Don Farrell have worked to diversify our trading relationships, by leading a diplomatic and business push into countries throughout the South East Asia and the Pacific.

    A key element is the development of a new South East Asia Economic Strategy, based on a report that the government commissioned from Nicholas Moore, the former CEO of the Macquarie Group, titled ‘Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040’. This strategy aims to boost trade and investment by enhancing economic engagement and leveraging Australia’s strengths: a well‑capitalised corporate sector, sophisticated capital markets, and a substantial national savings pool.

    In the mining sector, the government’s production tax incentive scheme seeks to nurture the critical minerals and green hydrogen industries. These tax credits aim to secure Australia’s critical mineral supply chain and assist with the energy transition in economically productive ways. Yet, remarkably Peter Dutton has opposed production tax incentives. His position puts him at odds with both major parties in Western Australian – Liberal and Labor. As Resources Minister Madeleine King puts it, Dutton’s stance is ‘anti‑resources and anti‑WA’.

    Another important part of Labor’s pro‑growth productivity agenda is competition reform. The last big wave of national competition policy took place in the 1990s, when consumers were given more choice about their electricity provider and a host of unnecessary regulations were scrapped. During the 2000s and 2010s, Australia experienced a rise in market concentration and markups, and a drop in economic dynamism. Too many industries have become dominated by too few companies. Disappointing productivity performance in the 2010s is likely linked to the lack of competition in many Australian markets and Australian consumers have suffered.

    Last year, our government established a competition taskforce in the Australian Treasury, mandated to identify reforms that would create a more competitive economy that drives down costs. This year, the Albanese government has introduced the biggest shakeup of our merger laws in half a century, aiming to ensure that the merger control system is simpler, quicker, and more efficient. Our reforms will ensure quicker approvals for low‑risk mergers but that the competition watchdog sees all high‑risk mergers through mandatory reporting thresholds.

    Another priority of the competition taskforce is the reform of non‑compete clauses. One in 5 Australian workers have a clause in their employment contract that limits their ability to move to a competing company. Non‑compete clauses slow wage growth and impede new business formation. In the United States, the government has estimated that scrapping non‑compete clauses would boost wages by US$500 for the typical worker, and lead to the creation of 8,000 more businesses annually. In Australia, we are actively considering the best way to address the adverse effects of non‑compete clauses.

    These are just some examples of how the Albanese government, with the states and territories, is revitalising the National Competition Policy to deliver more jobs, more startups, and more prosperity. Western Australia is on board with National Competition Policy and stands to share the benefits.

    Being pro‑growth is not about being anti‑fairness. Indeed, the best way to deliver for the most vulnerable is through a growing economy, where everyone can share in the gains. By choosing openness, encouraging dynamism, and strengthening competition, we can get a better deal and expand opportunities for consumers, workers, and households in Western Australia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese mainland, Hong Kong agree to promote services trade

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 9 — The Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have agreed to build closer ties in services trade, China’s Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday.

    Li Yongsha, an official with the ministry, and Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government, signed a document on amending the service trade agreement under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

    The agreement will take effect from the date of signing and will be officially implemented as of March 1, 2025.

    According to the amendment, thresholds of market access for Hong Kong service providers in fields including finance, telecommunications, architecture and tourism, will be further lowered or removed.

    Signed between the mainland and Hong Kong in 2003, the CEPA has significantly facilitated trade liberalization in both goods and services.

    The amendment is an important measure to improve the mechanism for Hong Kong to play a better role in China’s opening-up, said the ministry, adding that it is the second time the CEPA service trade agreement has been amended, the first time being in 2019.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Yes, nature is complex. But saving our precious environment means finding ways to measure it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Wintle, Professor in Conservation Science, School of Ecosystem and Forest Science, The University of Melbourne

    Shutterstock

    Nature loss directly threatens half the global economy. The rapid destruction of biodiversity should alarm the many Australian businesses dependent on nature, such as those in agriculture, tourism, construction and food manufacturing. Yet nature considerations are often ignored in business decision-making.

    At the Global Nature Positive Summit in Sydney this week, scientists, politicians, conservationists and business leaders have gathered to discuss ways to help nature in Australia – not just by protecting it from damage, but improving it. Getting more businesses interested in – and taking positive action on – nature conservation is key to the talks.

    Reducing the environmental impact of a business first requires measuring that impact. It might seem an impossibly difficult task. After all, nature is a diverse and intricate web of connections. How can we capture that in a number?

    After all, nature is complex – but measuring how a business intersects with it need not be.

    Uncovering impacts on nature

    The fishing industry depends directly on stocks of wild fish. And a housing developer has a direct impact on nature if they clear natural vegetation to build a new suburb.

    Businesses interactions with nature can be indirect, too – for example, a margarine producer who uses canola oil from a grower who depends on bees for pollination. Builders might indirectly harm rainforests in Indonesia by buying timber grown there. A superannuation company investing in that developer is also having an indirect negative impact.

    From next year, Australian companies will be required to measure and report their climate impacts. While businesses are not yet required to disclose their impacts on nature more broadly, many are moving in that direction – both in Australia and globally.

    For example in 2022, more than 400 of the world’s largest corporations called for mandatory disclosure of nature impacts. They included Nestlé, Rio Tinto, L’Oréal, Sony and Volvo. And many early-adopter businesses have begun voluntary disclosures.

    Guidelines are available to help businesses understand and measure their impacts, however progress is slow. This is partly due to a perception from business that the task is too complex.

    Nature assessment is challenging. Unlike identifying a company’s contributions to climate change – by measuring tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – there is no agreed single measure of impacts on nature.

    What’s more, different people ascribe different values to aspects of nature. Rightly or wrongly, for instance, most people would probably value a koala over a mosquito.

    What do you value more – a koala or a mosquito?
    Shutterstock

    Drawing on the expertise of ecologists

    Despite the difficulties, gauging the extent to which a business affects the environment can be done. Essentially, it involves three steps:

    1. understanding how a business broadly intersects with nature

    2. evaluating how specific business activities intersect with and put pressure on nature

    3. measuring and reporting the degree to which specific activities are impacting on the condition of nature. In other words, is the state of animals, plants and ecosystems improving or worsening?

    Online tools such as ENCORE can get businesses started on the first step – understanding a business’ broad impacts and dependency on nature.

    Many businesses are moving to the second stage – evaluating the specific business activities that put pressure on the environment, and determining the extent to which businesses depend on particular services ecosystems provide.

    The pressure a business places on nature can be measured via specific metrics, such as the amount of water consumed, air pollutants emitted, waste generated or area of land changed. Again, a suite of online tools and metrics can help with this.

    The next step is more complicated, yet essential. It requires businesses directly measuring their impacts on specific animals, plants and ecosystems. For this, we can turn to the expertise of ecologists.

    Individuals of a species can be hard to count, and extinction risk can be hard to measure. So ecologists often describe and monitor a species’ habitat – the environments in which a species can survive and reproduce – as a proxy for the fate of the species itself.

    Ecosystems – such as a rainforest, wetland or desert – can be described as being in good or poor condition. The rating depends on whether all the ecosystem’s plants, animals and other components are present, or whether unwanted components, such as weeds or invasive species, are found there.

    A graphic showing how ecologists measure the state of nature.
    TNFD

    In addition, maps, showing ecosystem condition and extent are available for much of Australia.

    Habitat mapping is also available for most threatened animals and plants, and thousands of other species. And mapping exists for World Heritage areas, important wetlands, national parks, Indigenous Protected Areas and other environment types.

    These resources are not difficult or expensive to access, and people and organisations with the skills to interpret and use such data are becoming more common.

    Some businesses are attempting these measurements. For example, plantation forestry company Forico last year prepared a natural capital report on a range of nature metrics, including the extent of species habitats, and assessment of vegetation condition.

    But many businesses are not yet grappling with this deeper nature analysis.

    This map, from ecosystem research organisation TERN, is one of many freely available to businesses seeking nature data.
    TERN

    Looking ahead

    We have the information and metrics to help businesses measure their impact on nature.

    Collaboration is urgently needed between business and nature experts, so the data available can be tailored to the needs of businesses, and presented in a form they can use.

    Governments can support this – for example by establishing accessible and practical online data platforms, and funding training for more nature experts who understand business.

    A new federal government agency, Environment Information Australia, will also hopefully become an important hub for data and information.

    By measuring what might seem immeasurable, businesses can become part of the solution to the nature crisis. There is cause for optimism – but no time to waste.

    Brendan Wintle has received funding from The Australian Research Council, the Victorian government, the NSW government, the Queensland government, the Commonwealth National Environmental Science Program, the Ian Potter Foundation, the Hermon Slade Foundation and the Australian Conservation Foundation. Wintle is a Board Director of Zoos Victoria and a lead councillor of the Biodiversity Council.

    Sarah Bekessy receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Ian Potter Foundation and the European Commission. She is a Lead Councillor with The Biodiversity Council, a board member of Bush Heritage Australia, a member of the WWF Eminent Scientists Group and an advisor to ELM Responsible Investment, the Living Building Challenge and Wood for Good.

    Simon O’Connor is affiliated with the Australian government as a member of the Minister for Environment and Water’s Nature Finance Council, and previously oversaw the national consultation group for the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures

    William Geary receives funding from the Victorian government and is associated with the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

    – ref. Yes, nature is complex. But saving our precious environment means finding ways to measure it – https://theconversation.com/yes-nature-is-complex-but-saving-our-precious-environment-means-finding-ways-to-measure-it-240583

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China calls for peace, stability on Korean Peninsula

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday called on all parties to work together to uphold peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and advance the political settlement process of the Korean Peninsula issue.

    It is reported that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said it will completely cut off roads and railways connected to the Republic of Korea (ROK) and fortify the relevant areas of its side with strong defence structures from Wednesday. The DPRK will take a substantial military step to completely separate the territory of the DPRK, where its sovereignty is exercised, from the territory of the ROK.

    In response to a related query, spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily news briefing that China is following the developments on the Korean Peninsula and DPRK-ROK relations.

    “China believes that upholding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and advancing the political settlement process of the Korean Peninsula issue serves the common interests of all parties, and it is what the international community expects,” Mao said, adding all parties need to work together for this end. 

    MIL OSI China News –