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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI USA: 67 North Carolina Students Headed to National History Day® Contest in Maryland

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: 67 North Carolina Students Headed to National History Day® Contest in Maryland

    67 North Carolina Students Headed to National History Day® Contest in Maryland
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    After months of in-depth research, creativity, and competition, 67 students from 24 schools across North Carolina have earned their spot at the 2025 National History Day® Contest, taking place June 8–12 at the University of Maryland in College Park. They will join nearly 3,000 middle and high school students from across the globe in a celebration of historical scholarship and storytelling.

    The students qualified through North Carolina History Day, a statewide program that reached more than 5,000 participants this year. Managed by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), the program encourages students to explore the past through hands-on research aligned with this year’s theme: “Rights and Responsibilities in History.” Participants chose topics that mattered to them, ranging from civil rights movements to constitutional debates, and brought them to life through exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites, and research papers.

    “The most powerful part of this program is that it’s student-driven,” said Karen Ipock, State Coordinator for N.C. History Day. “Students pick topics that genuinely interest them, which sparks deep engagement and creative expression — whether that’s designing a website, writing a paper, or producing a live performance. It’s a program that brings history to life and gives students a voice in telling its stories.”

    Competitions began with eight regional contests held across the state, coordinated by DNCR and local partners. Top entries advanced to the state-level contest on May 3 at UNC Greensboro, where finalists were selected to represent North Carolina at nationals.

    Beyond the contest itself, several North Carolina students have also been selected for exclusive workshops and showcases in Washington, D.C., on June 11 — an added recognition of the quality and impact of their work.

    • 8th grader Thanapat Lucksanapirak from Alston Ridge Middle School in Cary, N.C., will have his documentary, “The WTO: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Global Trade,” shown in the Oprah Winfrey Theater at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

    • 10th grader Andrew Lar from Watauga High School in Boone, N.C., will attend a writer’s workshop with the White House Historical Association for his research paper, “‘Not in Our Name’: The Central American Sanctuary Movement and the Struggle for Salvadoran Asylum Rights.”

    • 6th grader Elsie-Mae Clayton from Swain County Middle School in Bryson City, N.C., will showcase her exhibit at the National Museum of American History, “The Federal Government and the Broken Promises,” about the building of Fontana Dam and the Road to Nowhere.

    • 10th and 11th graders Ava Karis Renegar, Campbell Hodge, Elianna Yoder, Jonah Hardin, and Kyle Malt from Classical Scholars in Mills River, N.C., will perform their project, “Nothing About Us Without Us: How One Group of Disability Rights Activists Fought for Recognition by Forcing the Government to Accept Responsibility for Discrimination,” at the National Museum of American History.

    “The doors this competition opens for students are incredible,” said Ipock. “They’re not only sharing their research in some of the nation’s most prestigious museums, but also learning firsthand from historians, scholars, and museum professionals who are leaders in their fields.”

    The National History Day® contest wraps up on Thursday, June 12, with a highly anticipated awards ceremony recognizing the top three entries in each category. Students will also be eligible for a range of special prizes —  some up to $2,000 — for outstanding work in specific areas of historical research.

    North Carolina’s impact doesn’t end with its student competitors. Two outstanding educators — Jeffrey Stanek of Holly Shelter Middle School in Castle Hayne and Emily Lemus of EDGE Academy of Health Science in Rocky Mount — are national nominees for excellence in history education. Both have been recognized for their exceptional work in the classroom, using historical inquiry to engage and inspire students. Final selections for these prestigious teaching awards will be announced during the national contest, and North Carolina is proud to have such dedicated educators in the running.

    Students competing from each N.C. region include:

    West:  Charlie Hurwitz and Owen McAbee, Cane Creek Middle (Buncombe County); Isaiah Zebley, Gemma Edwards, and Lilly Cacawa, ArtSpace Charter (Buncombe County); Kate Huscher and Maddux Hansel, Hendersonville Middle (Henderson County); Cayden Rybicki, North Hendson High (Henderson County); Campbell Hodge, Ava Karis Renegar, Elianna Yoder, Jonah Hardin, Kyle Malt, Kathleen Godfrey, Colin Brown, David Ruland, Ezra Kushigian, Rowan Maishman, Ryan Malt, Anslee Renegar, Evie Koppin, Tybi Dugdale, and Zia Cartrett, Classical Scholars (Henderson County); Elsie-Mae Clayton, Swain County Middle (Swain County); Andrew Larsen, Watauga High (Watauga County)

    Piedmont: Anisa Hasanaj, North Carolina School Of Science and Mathematics (Durham County); Elena Gale, Emma Rose Laurell, Sophia Siebert, and Zelie Polnaszek, St. Michaels Homeschool Co-op (Gaston County); Marnie Lasher, Early College at Guilford (Guilford County); Riley Gale and Woody Taylor, Woodlawn School (Iredell County); Finn McElwee and Suh Hee Shin, Chapel Hill High (Orange County); Laura Cratty and Louisa Cratty; Cratty Family Homeschool (Orange County); Thanapat Lucksanapirak, Alston Ridge Middle (Wake County); Magali Murray, Holly Springs High (Wake County); Arsema Belete, Kaana Anda-Morelli, Katelyn Kwark, Olivia Steigerwald, and Max Wagner, Pine Springs Preparatory Academy (Wake County); Catherine Kendall, Ellen Lan, and Joyce Xu, Cary Academy (Wake County)

    East: Joselyn Hutson, Sadie Lankford, Scarlett Rauen, Ben Gardner, and Gavin Oplinger, Holly Shelter Middle (New Hanover County); Lyla Varnum and Abigail Blair, The International School at Gregory (New Hanover County); Lily Atwill, Anah Stough, and Kayligrace Moody, Isaac M Bear Early College High School (New Hanover County), Olivia Stetler, Wilmington Early College High (New Hanover County); Adam Politi, Jackson Renton, Rowan Forkin, and Slade Forkin, Cape Fear Academy (New Hanover County), Mariana Nieblas-Lugo, Pamlico County Middle (Pamlico), Blondge Phanor, Wayne School of Engineering (Wayne County)

    Each year, more than half a million students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., U.S. territories, and international schools take part in the National History Day® program. North Carolina’s affiliate, North Carolina History Day, is proudly administered by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and supported by the North Caroliniana Society and the Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies. To learn more, visit www.dncr.nc.gov/nchistoryday.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Jun 4, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour: The changing landscape and talent development initiatives for Malaysia’s financial sector

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    It is a privilege to stand before you at this conferment ceremony, where we celebrate the achievements of more than 600 individuals who demonstrated dedication and outstanding achievement in banking. We are also honouring the conferment of Honorary Fellowship to Governor Eli, and paying tribute to the lifetime achievement of Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Fellow Chartered Banker (FCB), both outstanding individuals who have made immense contributions and shown commitment to excellence, which we can all strive to emulate.

    About a month ago, we welcomed our regional partners for the ASEAN meetings. We had the opportunity to engage deeply on the region’s most pressing challenges, namely the uncertainty from the US tariff announcements, the acceleration of digital transformation and the urgency of promoting sustainability practices.

    These challenges underscore the critical need for the financial sector to adapt and evolve in response to an ever-changing landscape. To navigate these complexities, continuous investments in talent are not merely an option but a necessity. By equipping our workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge, we empower them to transform challenges into opportunities and drive our economy forward. The knowledge, devotion and tenacity that have brought all conferees together today are the essential foundations that will propel Malaysia to greater heights.

    Global trade uncertainty, digitalisation and sustainability will shape the financial sector landscape in Malaysia

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Our banking sector has been no stranger to formidable challenges. Yet, in recent years, we have been faced with transformative forces that could redefine the landscape of banking. Allow me to expand on three pivotal areas which I mentioned earlier: economic uncertainty, digital transformation and sustainability, and their implications on the banking sector workforce.

    As I speak, global trade uncertainty continues to persist, arising from a growing push for greater protectionism and a shift away from globalised supply chains. As a small open economy, the escalation in trade tensions and global policy uncertainties will affect Malaysia. However, we are facing this from a position of strength. Our economy will continue to grow, anchored by continued household spending and steady expansion in investment activities. Externally, resilient underlying demand for E&E goods and a sustained momentum of tourism activity can cushion the impact of tariffs on our exports. Malaysia’s diversified product and export markets further underscore our resilience against external shocks.

    These shifts in economic outlook remind us that the global landscape is ever-changing, underscoring the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of these headwinds.

    On this, the banking sector plays a critical role in allocating capital efficiently to support economic growth and transformation. We have demonstrated robust expertise in traditional areas such as retail segments (mortgages and personal finance), as well as other mature corporate industries. However, as the financial landscape evolves, new opportunities are emerging that remain underexplored, offering potential for growth and innovation. Financing of trading activities such as shipping, aviation or aerospace, investments in data centres, and other high-growth industries, represent untapped avenues that could contribute meaningfully to our economic development. By broadening their focus and addressing these gaps, the banking sector can better position businesses to compete effectively on a global stage.

    In the wake of global trade uncertainties, the banking sector’s role in supporting domestic businesses becomes more pronounced. Banks must collaborate with industry players to identify new opportunities, leveraging on both financial expertise and industry insights. A workforce adept at risk management, market analysis and client advisory enables banks to offer innovative financial solutions to help businesses stay ahead.

    The next transformative force is the increasing pace of technological breakthroughs, a trend underpinned by the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI), data and automation. The Malaysian banking sector has increasingly leveraged AI and automation for risk management, fraud detection and complex analysis to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen security. The use of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants has also allowed customers to benefit from enhanced and personalised customer experiences, often without the need to visit a bank branch.

    While technology has clear benefits for the financial sector, it needs to be adopted responsibly, balancing efficiency with risk management. Senior leaders in the banking sector have themselves expressed increasing concerns about new vulnerabilities introduced from AI adoption, such as cybersecurity, legal uncertainty related to operations, difficulties in controlling outcome accuracy and prejudice from model bias.1 The banking sector’s shift to leverage technology, in particular AI, to remain competitive must be underpinned by strong governance frameworks, stringent data privacy protections and the highest ethical standards across the workforce. To ensure responsible adoption of AI, banks need to develop an understanding of both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, and invest in training programmes to enhance AI awareness, create an organisation-wide culture of responsible AI adoption and help employees recognise potential risks.

    Let’s now turn to the third critical area: sustainable finance and environmental, social and governance considerations. This year’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme on sustainability underscores the region’s commitment to equitable growth and environmental stewardship.

    At our meeting in Milan earlier this month, the ASEAN+3 finance ministers and central bank governors reaffirmed our commitment to collaborate on transition finance, disaster risk financing, and climate resilience. The meeting also recognised the need to channel greater capital flows into green and sustainable projects, including large-scale regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) being pursued as part of our chairing of ASEAN this year. A report by AMRO highlighted that Southeast Asia will require over USD200 billion annually in climate-related investments to achieve its net-zero targets.

    As we delve into this important area, it is evident that these are not just environmental imperatives, but instead, a strategic priority area across the region. Therefore, the banking sector must integrate ESG factors into their core operations and decision-making. Banks play a pivotal role in channelling financial solutions and capital towards projects that are not only economically viable, but also environmentally and socially responsible. For example, the increasing importance of blended finance as a key lever in scaling up climate-aligned and impact-driven investment will require bankers to build skills that go beyond standard credit risk assessment. This shift requires a banking sector workforce which is well-equipped with the right knowledge and expertise to be able to not only reduce credit risk for lenders, but also contribute meaningfully to advancing sustainability priorities and meeting ambitious climate goals. 

    Significant efforts have been undertaken by talent affiliates, while more can be done by the industry to collectively upskill the workforce

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Malaysia has invested significantly in developing talent in our financial sector. Over the years, we have developed a comprehensive ecosystem of talent affiliates providing training, certification and future-looking guidance on the skills needed by the financial sector. On this, I would like to take a moment to applaud the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB), Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM) and Asian Institute of Insurance (AII) for their commitment in driving the development and encouraging the implementation of the Financial Sector Future Skills Framework (FSF) since its launch in July 2024. I also wish to highlight the important role played by financial institutions to further complement these efforts through their respective learning and development academies.

    While the financial services industry benefits from a good talent development ecosystem, more collective actions are needed to future-proof the workforce. In an era of rapid transformation, the question remains: Is the industry investing enough in talent to meet evolving business needs and remain competitive?

    With the FSF as a common dictionary on skills critical for the future, I call on the banking sector to accelerate efforts to foster knowledge acquisition in areas that are relevant to address both current industry challenges and needs, as well as emerging trends to prepare professionals for future opportunities. This includes building a deep understanding of the unique financial requirements of sectors that will catapult the growth of the Malaysian economy, and in tandem, enhancing technical skills in credit risk assessment for these sectors to ensure financing decisions are made sustainably. Additionally, training should also focus towards building capacity to address regional financing demands, particularly in infrastructure financing and blended financing, to support the long-term economic growth of the region. By equipping banking professionals with advanced capabilities and specialised expertise, the financial sector can proactively respond to emerging opportunities, ensuring its readiness to meet evolving economic challenges and contribute to Malaysia’s regional competitiveness.

    Equally important is the need to continuously nurture ethical and principled bankers who uphold the highest standards of integrity. In a rapidly changing financial landscape, the foundation of trust and accountability is indispensable for ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability and resilience. AICB, alongside industry leaders, must emphasise the development of bankers who embody professionalism, ethical conduct, and a commitment to responsible practices.

    In closing, I would like to once again congratulate all conferees today. Your individual commitment to self development and dedication towards embodying the values of integrity, professionalism and expertise will collectively elevate the banking sector. Your achievement today is setting a benchmark for the industry and will hopefully inspire many others to follow in your footsteps.

    To Governor Eli, today’s honorary conferment recognises your exemplary leadership, transformative contribution and excellence within our profession. Through his previous role in the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), Governor Eli advanced research and discussions on regional and international finance, and has been recognised as one of the top-performing central bank governors globally in his current role. As a former professor and director at the Asia School of Business (ASB), Governor Eli has also significantly contributed towards strengthening central banking education through the development of the Master’s in Central Banking course.

    To Tan Sri Azman Hashim, the Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting honour to an industry heavyweight whose visionary contributions have profoundly shaped and advanced the Malaysian banking sector.

    Malaysia’s financial system is renowned for its resilience, innovation and sound governance. But the true strength behind this success is our people. I end with a simple quote from Jack Welch, the CEO of General Electric for more than twenty years, ‘The most important job you have is growing your people’.

    Thank you, and I wish all of you a fruitful journey ahead.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt bonds worth $27b issued

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today announced the successful pricing of approximately HK$27 billion worth of green bonds and infrastructure bonds denominated in Hong Kong dollars (HKD), renminbi, US dollars and euro under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme and the Infrastructure Bond Programme.

    The issuance of green bonds aims to attract and channel market capital to support green projects, promoting sustainable development in Hong Kong.

    Meanwhile, infrastructure bonds help accelerate the development of projects such as the Northern Metropolis, and facilitate the early completion of projects for the good of the economy and people’s livelihood.

    Following a virtual roadshow on June 2, the bonds were priced on June 3 as follows:

    • 5 billion 30-year infrastructure tranche at 3.85%;
    • RMB4 billion 20-year green tranche at 2.6%;
    • RMB4 billion 30-year infrastructure tranche at 2.7%;
    • USD1 billion five-year green tranche at 4.151%; and
    • EUR1 billion eight-year green tranche at 3.155%.

    The offering attracted participation from over 30 markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas, with the total order amounting around HK$237 billion equivalent, representing a subscription ratio of around 3.3 to 12.5 times.

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority highlighted that the HKD 30-year bond, offered for the first time by the Hong Kong SAR Government, is the longest tenor HKD bond issued by the Hong Kong SAR Government so far.

    The 20-year and 30-year RMB bonds also received overwhelming support, doubling in issuance size from last year.

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan said: “Global institutional investors responded enthusiastically to the subscription, fully reflecting their confidence in Hong Kong’s sound public finance and long-term development.

    “The inaugural offering of the 30-year HKD government bonds helps to extend the HKD benchmark yield curve, further promoting the development of the local bond market.”

    The green bonds and infrastructure bonds are expected to be settled on June 10, and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as well as the London Stock Exchange.

    These bonds have been assigned credit ratings of AA+ by S&P Global Ratings and AA- by Fitch.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Strengthening the role of women in preventing violent extremism focus of the OSCE regional meeting in Tashkent

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

    Headline: Strengthening the role of women in preventing violent extremism focus of the OSCE regional meeting in Tashkent

    Participants of the event on strengthening the role of women in preventing violent extremism focus of the OSCE regional meeting in Tashkent, 4 June 2025. (Yury Kim) Photo details

    To promote women’s leadership in addressing transnational threats, women professionals from across Central Asia convened for a Regional Expert Group Meeting on 3 and 4 June in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event focused on youth, gender and labour migration in the context of preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT).
    The meeting was jointly organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Secretariat’s Gender Issues Programme under the WIN Project and the Transnational Threats Department’s Action against Terrorism Unit. It brought together members of the OSCE Network for Women Professionals on P/CVERLT in Central Asia to share experiences, strengthen regional co-operation, and promote inclusive and effective approaches to shared security challenges.
    “Today’s meeting is an excellent example of co-ordination and co-operation at all levels – between the OSCE Secretariat, field missions in Central Asia and, most importantly, dedicated professionals working to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that leads to terrorism throughout the OSCE area,” said Ambassador Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats.
    Participants explored how youth marginalization and online violent extremist narratives are impacting online radicalization to violence in the region. Presentations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan highlighted the importance of early prevention, multi-stakeholder engagement and context-specific tools.
    “The Network serves not only as a platform for sharing best practices and practical skills but also as a tool to strengthen the role of women in shaping gender-sensitive strategies and in developing efforts to empower women and girls,” emphasized Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.
    The meeting also reaffirmed the value of the OSCE Network for Women Professionals on P/CVERLT as a platform for dialogue, mutual learning and policy innovation. Participants identified shared challenges and developed targeted recommendations for further actions.
    “Women must be at the forefront of building peace and security. Their expertise is essential for ensuring that responses to violent extremism are inclusive, sustainable and effective,” stated Dr. Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues. “I am proud to see how this Network has grown into a platform for collaboration, sharing best practices and peer support across Central Asia.”
    The meeting concluded with a discussion on regional priorities and the Network’s plan through 2025. The OSCE Network for Women Professionals on P/CVERLT will continue to support dialogue, learning and joint action, strengthening regional co-operation and ensuring that women’s perspectives remain central to preventing and countering violent extremism in Central Asia.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Secretary-General of OECD

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Secretary-General of OECD, Mathias Cormann, at the sidelines of the OECD Headquarters in Paris, France, on 4 June 2025. Their discussions explored opportunities to deepen ASEAN-OECD engagement and align OECD’s support with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Secretary-General of OECD appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the World Trade Organization (WTO)

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the World Trade Organization (WTO), H.E. Syahril Syazli Ghazali, at the OECD Headquarters, in Paris, France, on 4 June 2025. SG Dr. Kao congratulated Malaysia on the success of the recently-concluded 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as well as underscored ASEAN’s commitment to upholding an open, transparent, rules-based multilateral trading system based on the WTO.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the World Trade Organization (WTO) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER APPLAUDS GLOBALFOUNDRIES’ NEW $3 BILLION ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT SPURRED BY HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW, BRINGING TOTAL TO $16 BILLION FOR CAPITAL REGION PROJECT TO BECOME EPICENTER OF AMERICA’S…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Schumer Has Fought For Years To Get GlobalFoundries To Expand Current Fab & Build New, State-Of-The-Art Second Manufacturing Facility In Malta, Delivering Whopping $1.5B Award From His Bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law Last Year To Finally Make Project A Reality
    Now GlobalFoundries Is Investing $3B More In The Project, Further Expanding Advanced Packaging And R&D, Because Of The Foundation Schumer Laid To Strengthen American Semiconductor Leadership
    Schumer: GlobalFoundries Is Doubling Down On The Capital Region With $3B More To Make Upstate NY America’s Semiconductor Epicenter
    A longtime advocate for GlobalFoundries’ growth in the Capital Region, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today applauded GlobalFoundries’ announcement that it will invest an additional $3 billion to expand its first-of-its-kind chip packaging facility at its Saratoga County location, bringing its total investment to $16 billion in the Capital Region and the country thanks to his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law.
    “GlobalFoundries is writing the future of American chipmaking right here in the Capital Region. With this additional $3 billion investment, GlobalFoundries is making a whopping $16 billion investment spurred by my CHIPS & Science Law, and is doubling down on Upstate New York as America’s semiconductor epicenter,” said Senator Schumer. “Soon, America’s AI future, and the next generation of the top chips that power everything from cell phones to cars will be made in Upstate New York from start to finish! I worked for years to pass the CHIPS & Science Law, to deliver more than $1.5 billion in federal CHIPS investment for GlobalFoundries’ growth in Saratoga County, and continued announcements like this show that bet is paying off bigger than most thought possible. This is a win-win-win for GlobalFoundries, Upstate NY’s chip supply chain, and our national & economic security.”
    “Today we continue to show our commitment to U.S. manufacturing by partnering with our customers to onshore critical components of the supply chain needed for datacenters, communications infrastructure, AI edge devices and more,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, Executive Chairman of GlobalFoundries. “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Schumer and the New York Delegation, New York has become a world class ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing and R&D. Today’s investment will reestablish secure, domestic supply chains for critical technologies and continue to bring high-paying manufacturing jobs to Upstate New York.”
    GlobalFoundries is committing an additional $3 billion on advanced research and development initiatives focused on packaging innovation, silicon photonics, and next-generation GaN technologies. With the $16 billion total investment now being made, GlobalFoundries aims to collaborate with major tech companies like Apple, AMD, and General Motors to strengthen American semiconductor leadership by producing American-made chips and advancing AI, aerospace, automotive, and high-performance communication innovation.
    Schumer has worked for years to help GlobalFoundries expand and delivered historic investments from his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law for GlobalFoundries and the Capital Region. Last year, Schumer secured $1.5 billion in CHIPS funding to support the expansion of GlobalFoundries’ existing fab in Malta, NY, and the construction of a second, state-of-the-art fab at the same site. Schumer later secured an additional $75 million in CHIPS funding for GlobalFoundries to create a first-of-its-kind advanced chips packaging and testing center. The new center will help GlobalFoundries increase production while bolstering national security by creating a secure facility to package, test, and manufacture semiconductors to support defense applications, AI, and high-performance computing, among other key industries. Together, these investments are expected to create thousands of good-paying manufacturing and union construction jobs in the Capital Region.
    On top of the investments Schumer has secured for GlobalFoundries, the senator additionally delivered a historic $825 million in CHIPS funding to make Albany NanoTech the first flagship facility of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). The NSTC is a critical part of Schumer’s mission of re-establishing America’s leadership in the semiconductor industry and will bring together industry leaders, researchers from the nation’s top universities, innovators, workers, and entrepreneurs in the Capital Region to give them access to the most advanced chip making machinery in the world and drive the next frontier of chip innovation and manufacturing.
    Currently, there are only four companies outside of China that provide current and mature foundry capabilities at the scale of GlobalFoundries, and GlobalFoundries is the only one of those companies that is headquartered in the United States. GlobalFoundries, a Trusted Foundry for the Department of Defense, is a key supplier of chips for America’s national defense, with strong partnerships with major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin. GlobalFoundries also supplies chips to America’s auto industry with partnerships in place with companies like General Motors, which saw severe shortages of chips during the pandemic, leading to increased prices for cars. Thanks to the investment Schumer has secured, GlobalFoundries is expanding its current fab focused on automotive chips to help meet soaring demand for chips in cars and get ahead of future supply chain challenges.
    GlobalFoundries is a leading producer of essential chips that are critical across industries, from mobile phones and artificial intelligence to automobiles and defense technologies. Growth in AI is driving demand for the chips GlobalFoundries produces. The silicon photonics chips this new Center will produce are also in demand in the automotive, communications, radar, and other critical industries. The New York Advanced Packaging and Photonics Center will offer advanced packaging, assembly, and testing, allowing the company to more easily transform chips into individual packages ready for end-product use entirely in the United States. The Center’s new production capabilities will help onshore advanced packaging, which mostly takes place in Asia today, while further boosting GlobalFoundries’ production capacity.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Empowering India’s Youth: A Decade of Progress and Promise

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over the past eleven years, the Government of India has made significant strides in empowering the youth, recognizing them as the nation’s most valuable asset. With over 65% of its population under the age of 35, India has focused on transforming its youth into a driving force for national growth through reforms in education, skilling, employment, entrepreneurship, and sports.

    Revolutionizing Education

    With the introduction of the National Education Policy 2020, the government aims to boost the Gross Enrolment Ratio and enhance the quality of education from preschool to university level. The number of universities has nearly doubled from 760 in 2014–15 to 1,334 in 2025, alongside significant expansions in IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.

    The number of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) has grown from 16 to 23, following the addition of seven new IITs over the past decade.

    The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have also seen steady growth, increasing from 13 in 2014 to 21 by May 2025, reflecting a broader push to strengthen management education across the country.

    In the medical education sector, the transformation has been even more striking. The number of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has more than tripled—from 7 in 2014 to 23. Medical colleges across the nation have surged from 387 to 2,045, now offering over 1.9 lakh medical seats as of 2024.

    Skilling for the Future

    Initiatives like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana have trained over 1.63 crore youth in industry-relevant skills. The job-readiness of graduating students has seen a sharp rise from 33.9% in 2014 to 51.3% in 2024.

    Expanding Employment Opportunities

    Schemes like the Rozgar Mela have distributed around 10 lakh government job appointment letters, while EPFO data shows a substantial rise in formal employment, with over 3.45 crore young subscribers added since 2020.

    Boosting Entrepreneurship

    The Startup India programme has supported over 1.6 lakh startups, generating more than 17.6 lakh jobs. Loan disbursement under MUDRA Yojana surged, with the credit limit raised to ₹20 lakh to aid small entrepreneurs.

    Building a Sporting Nation

    Through Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and hosting major events like the National Games, India is nurturing world-class athletes. Notable achievements include 6 medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a record 29 medals at the Paralympics.

    Youth Engagement in Nation-Building

    The Agnipath scheme and the National Youth Festival 2025 have provided platforms for leadership, service, and innovation, connecting youth directly with national development goals.

    Conclusion

    India’s focused efforts over the last decade have laid a solid foundation for empowering its youth. By investing in education, skills, jobs, entrepreneurship, and sports, the government is unlocking the vast potential of young Indians to lead the country toward a prosperous and developed future.

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 4 June 2025 Departmental update Neglected tropical diseases further neglected due to ODA cuts

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of conditions1 that still affect 1 billion people, mainly vulnerable populations in underserved regions of the world. Nevertheless, they are preventable, treatable and can be eliminated. As of May 2025, 56 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD – demonstrating significant progress towards WHO’s global target of 100 countries reaching elimination by 2030.

    This hard-won progress is now at risk. The dismantling of official development assistance (ODA) for global health, and particularly for NTD programmes, threatens to stall or reverse gains and negatively impact lives of vulnerable communities.

    Threat to NTD gains

    The recent withdrawal of funding by the United States from NTD projects jeopardizes the success of 19 years of investment in the global effort to eliminate NTDs.

    Early reports shared with the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that the immediate impact of the funding withdrawal has delayed 47 campaigns in which mass treatment was warranted to free 143 million people from the burden of NTDs. In 2020, WHO Member States set targets for 2030 by endorsing the Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 through World Health Assembly decision WHA73(33). Missing the planned campaigns and impact surveys in 2025 will postpone the achievement of targets in at least 10 additional countries. The abrupt cuts also halted critical research to validate new treatments, diagnostics and surveillance platforms to ensure these diseases no longer pose a threat globally.

    On 10 April 2025, WHO issued a warning on the impact caused by sudden suspensions and reductions in ODA for health, indicating that health service disruptions had been reported by over 70% of its surveyed country offices and that NTD programmes were among the most severely affected. In some settings, the nature and scale of service disruptions are comparable to those observed during the peak periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Critical shortages in medicines and health products are leaving one third of responding countries without essential commodities for major health services. At the same time, the suspension of funding has triggered job losses among health and care workers in over half of those countries.

    Furthermore, if alternative mechanisms for service delivery are not urgently secured, suspensions and reductions in ODA for health could lead to expiration of over 55 million NTD tablets by the end of 2025, in Africa alone. In response, countries are working to identify local opportunities to sustain treatment activities, including integrated campaigns within broader health initiatives and mobilization of national resources to protect people’s health, prevent medicine wastage and sustain progress.

    Incredible past achievements at risk

    Over the past two decades, the Government of the United States of America, through USAID, supported the delivery of 3.3 billion treatments to more than 1.7 billion people in 26 countries, clearing infections, stopping transmission and reducing the burden of lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (intestinal worm infections) and trachoma in several areas. This cumulative support of US$ 1.4 billion significantly advanced public health outcomes and enabled 14 countries (Bangladesh, Benin, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mali, Mexico, Nepal, Niger, Togo and Viet Nam) to achieve elimination of at least one NTD.

    NTD programmes have continued delivering impressive results despite fierce challenges: in 2023 alone, more than 860 million people received treatment for NTDs through mass drug administration or individual case management; and between January 2023 and May 2025, 17 countries were officially acknowledged by WHO for eliminating one NTD. Today, the halt in drug distribution and the layoff of frontline health workers threaten to reverse this progress – raising serious concerns about the resurgence of NTDs in the most affected regions.

    Funding challenges and implications for NTDs

    The withdrawal of United States funding to NTD programmes is not an isolated event. The last few years have witnessed a deprioritization of financial investments in support of NTDs, which accelerated during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in 2021, another key stakeholder, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, ended its flagship NTD initiative, the Ascend programme. Nevertheless, recent pledges such as those made in December 2023 during the Reaching the Last Mile (RLM) Forum had raised hopes of reversing this trend.

    Decreased funding places a heavy strain on NTD programmes at a time when they are called to face unprecedented challenges, including the impact of climate change on vector-borne diseases. Notably, WHO declared dengue a grade 3 emergency in 2024, when over 14 million cases and 10 000 deaths were reported in 107 countries. The current global risk of dengue is assessed as high, and the disease remains a global health threat, while lack of resources continues to hamper prevention and control efforts, and the disease has spread to newer areas and countries in recent years.

    NTD programmes are recognized among the most cost-effective initiatives in global health, also thanks to effective public-private partnerships. Generous donations from pharmaceutical companies including Bayer AG, Chemo Group, Eisai Co. Ltd, EMS SA Pharma, Gilead Sciences, Inc., GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck KGaA, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Novartis, Pfizer and Sanofi – cumulatively valued at over US$ 12 billion between 2011 and today –make life-changing treatments available to those in need at minimal cost.

    Defunding NTD programmes threatens a proven public health success, potentially reversing hard-earned progress, exacerbating the cycle of disease and poverty, leaving vulnerable populations further marginalized and deepening inequality.

    Moving forward

    During the most recent Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, NTDs were centre-stage, with a number of events held on the margins of the Assembly. Notably, two NTD-related resolutions, on eradication of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) and on skin diseases, were unanimously adopted by Member States.

    At this critical juncture, it is imperative to build on such renewed consensus and strengthen the global commitment to eliminating NTDs. This requires fostering nationally owned, sustainable programmes complemented by catalytic external support. Together, we must work towards the complete elimination of NTDs and release communities from the heavy burden of suffering these diseases cause.

    Notes

    1. Buruli ulcer; Chagas disease; dengue and chikungunya; dracunculiasis; echinococcosis; foodborne trematodiases; human African trypanosomiasis; leishmaniasis; leprosy; lymphatic filariasis; mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and other deep mycoses; noma; onchocerciasis; rabies; scabies and other ectoparasitoses; schistosomiasis; snakebite envenoming; soil-transmitted helminthiases; taeniasis and cysticercosis; trachoma; yaws.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: GDS to Hold Annual General Meeting on June 26, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (“GDS Holdings”, “GDS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China, today announced that it will hold its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “AGM”) at Beijing Meeting Room, F5, Building C, Sunland International, No. 999 Zhouhai Road, Pudong, Shanghai, P.R.C. at 4:00 p.m. (China Standard Time) on June 26, 2025 (which is 4:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on June 26, 2025).

    Holders of the Company’s ordinary shares and Series A convertible preferred shares listed in the register of members of the Company at the close of business on June 4, 2025 (China Standard Time) are entitled to receive notice of, and vote at, the AGM or at any adjournment that may take place. Beneficial owners of the Company’s American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) who wish to exercise their voting rights for the underlying Class A ordinary shares must act through JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), the depositary of the Company’s ADS program. Holders of ADSs at the close of business on June 4, 2025, New York time will be able to instruct JPMorgan as to how to vote the Class A ordinary shares represented by such ADSs.

    Copies of the Notice of the AGM, which sets forth the resolutions to be proposed and for which adoption from shareholders is sought, the Proxy Statement and the Proxy Card are available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://investors.gds-services.com, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and HKEX’s website at http://www.hkexnews.hk.

    GDS has filed its annual report on Form 20-F, including its audited financial statements, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company’s Form 20-F can be accessed on the Company’s website at investors.gds-services.com, as well as on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    GDS has also published its annual report for Hong Kong purposes pursuant to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“HKEX”), which can be accessed on the Company’s website at investors.gds-services.com as well as the HKEX’s website at http://www.hkexnews.hk.

    About GDS Holdings Limited

    GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in and around primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 24-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations. The Company also holds a non-controlling 35.6% equity interest in DayOne Data Centers Limited which develops and operates data centers in International markets.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GDS Holdings Limited
    Laura Chen
    Phone: +86 (21) 2029-2203
    Email: ir@gds-services.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Ross Warner
    Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1 (212) 481-2050
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    GDS Holdings Limited

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government’s Institutional Green Bonds and Infrastructure Bonds Offering

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKSAR Government’s Institutional Green Bonds and Infrastructure Bonds Offering The offering attracted participation from a wide spectrum of investors from more than 30 markets across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the Americas, with total order amounting around HK$237 billion equivalent, representing a subscription ratio of around 3.3 to 12.5 times. In particular, the HKD 30-year bond was offered for the first time by the HKSAR Government, and is the longest tenor HKD bond issued by the HKSAR Government so far. The 20-year and 30-year RMB bonds, which were first introduced last year, also received overwhelming support, doubling in issuance size from last year.

    The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “The issuance of green bonds by the HKSAR Government aims to attract and channel market capital to support green projects, promoting the sustainable development in Hong Kong. The issuance of infrastructure bonds helps to accelerate the development of projects such as the Northern Metropolis and facilitate the early completion of projects for the good of the economy and people’s livelihood. Global institutional investors responded enthusiastically to the subscription, fully reflecting their confidence in Hong Kong’s sound public finance and long-term development. Among which the inaugural offering of the 30-year HKD government bonds helps to extend the HKD benchmark yield curve, further promoting the development of the local bond market.” 

    CategoryNote: The HKD, RMB, and EUR Bonds were offered in Reg S format, and the USD Bonds in 144A / Reg S format (Note).

    DISCLAIMER:

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.Issued at HKT 21:08

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IGNITE 2025: How Samsung’s Internship Programme Became a Launchpad for India’s Brightest Young Minds

    Source: Samsung

     
    One name that consistently rises to the top when it comes to career aspirations of some of India’s brightest minds is Samsung.
     
    This summer, as the IGNITE Internship 2025 drew to a close, a new generation of change makers walked out of Samsung’s offices with more than just project experience. They left with the spark of transformation in their hearts — a fire ignited by an immersive journey that redefined the way they saw themselves, their careers, and the world of innovation.
     
    These were not just interns. They were explorers. Listeners. Builders. Dreamers.
     
    Where Potential Met Purpose
    “I was a different person two months ago,” says Shanya Goyal from NMIMS Mumbai, reflecting on her journey. “As a fresher, getting firsthand insight into market dynamics and witnessing how Samsung uniquely caters to every Indian — from premium 8K TVs to flagship smartphones — was eye-opening. It’s not just a tech brand; it’s a brand that speaks the language of India.”
     
    Her words echo the experiences of many others who entered Samsung as students and emerged as future leaders.
     
    From Market Floors to Boardrooms: A Real-World MBA
    Samsung’s internship programme is not about presentations. It’s about plunging into the real world, understanding consumer behavior, navigating markets, and learning to lead from the ground up.
     
    For Nenavathu Divya from IIM Indore, the internship was anything but routine. “From day one, I was out in the field, discovering market insights, dodging Gurgaon traffic, and even unearthing the best street food spots on market duty! But what truly inspired me were the stories from Samsung leaders — people who began their journey as field executives and are now leading national teams. Their grit and growth mindset made me believe no role is ever too small.”
     
    Building the Future, Together
    Interns didn’t just learn from their managers; they belonged to their teams. For Ashmi Jain from IIM Ahmedabad, the Samsung experience was a testament to how culture and collaboration go hand in hand.
     
    “These two months have been unforgettable. The support I received from my mentors and teammates helped me push past my own limits. This wasn’t just a summer internship — it felt like joining a family.”
     
    And it wasn’t just about learning the ‘what’ — it was about understanding the ‘why.’ Whether in sales, marketing, or HR, interns saw firsthand what makes Samsung tick.
     
    “I interned with the People team,” says Garvika Agarwal from XLRI Jamshedpur. “It gave me real exposure to HR operations at scale. The warmth, mentorship, and real-world complexity helped me grow not just as a student of business, but as a professional ready to contribute from day one.”
     
    A Mentorship Model Like No Other
    At the heart of IGNITE lies Samsung’s belief: great mentorship changes lives.
     
    Every intern had direct access to leaders who didn’t just supervise — they coached, encouraged, and empowered. Whether it was one-on-one check-ins, leadership stories, or project reviews, each moment was a masterclass in excellence, empathy, and execution.
     
    And as the programme ends, one thing is clear — the real success of IGNITE isn’t measured by deliverables or deck submissions. It’s measured by confidence built, curiosity sparked, and careers kickstarted.
     
     
    A Legacy of Learning. A Future of Possibilities.
    As the IGNITE 2025 cohort turns the page to their next chapter, they carry with them not just the Samsung name on their resume, but the Samsung philosophy in their hearts: to do what can’t be done.
     
    Because when you work with a brand that dares to push boundaries, you begin to believe that you can, too.
     
    And that’s the true power of an internship at Samsung — it doesn’t just prepare you for the future. It transforms you into someone who’s ready to create it.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Hallador Energy Company Appoints Todd Telesz as Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TERRE HAUTE, Ind., June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hallador Energy Company (Nasdaq: HNRG) (“Hallador” or the “Company”) today announced the appointment of Todd Telesz as Chief Financial Officer, effective June 23, 2025. Mr. Telesz will succeed Marjorie Hargrave, who has been with Hallador since April 2024 and is leaving the Company to pursue other opportunities. Ms. Hargrave was instrumental in reducing operating and overhead expenses, improving turn-around times for internal and external financial reporting and driving other efficiencies within the Company and will remain with the Company for a short period to ensure a seamless transition.

    Mr. Telesz is an accomplished financial executive with extensive experience in the power sector. Since 2024, Mr. Telesz has served as Chief Financial Officer of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., a non-profit generation and transmission cooperative owned by 40 cooperative systems across four states. Between 2021 and 2023, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Basin Electric, one of the nation’s largest cooperative associations, owned by 141 cooperative systems across nine states. Prior to Mr. Telesz’s role at Basin Electric, he served as Senior Vice President at CoBank, ACB, a provider of loans and financial services to cooperatives, agribusinesses, rural utilities and farm credit associations in its Power, Energy and Utilities division between 2007 and 2021.

    “I would like to thank Marjie for her time with Hallador and for the meaningful contributions she made to the Company during the initial phases of our transition from a coal producer to an independent power producer (“IPP”),” said Brent Bilsland, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hallador. “I’m pleased to welcome Todd to the team and believe his experience in high-profile leadership roles as well as his extensive relationships within the power sector will help advance our efforts to acquire additional generation, specifically as energy cooperatives continue to retire or exit portfolios of fossil-based generation. We are excited for the expertise that Todd will bring to Hallador as we further penetrate the power market and seek to advance our acquisition strategy.”

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act“), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act“). Statements that are not strictly historical statements constitute forward-looking statements and may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words such as “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “guidance,” “target,” “potential,” “possible,” or “probable” or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “will,” “should,” or “could” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those relating to our ability to execute definitive agreements with respect to the non-binding term sheet with a leading global data center developer, to execute a strategic transaction that delivers long-term value for our shareholders or to strengthen opportunities for growth and cash flow generation. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and analyses made by Hallador and its management in light of experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors appropriate under the circumstances that involve various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Hallador’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Hallador undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

    About Hallador Energy Company

    Hallador Energy Company (Nasdaq: HNRG) is a vertically-integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP) based in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Company has two core businesses: Hallador Power Company, LLC, which produces electricity and capacity at its one-Gigawatt (GW) Merom Generating Station, and Sunrise Coal, LLC, which produces and supplies fuel to the Merom Generating Station and other companies. To learn more about Hallador, visit the Company’s website at http://www.halladorenergy.com/.

    Company Contact

    Ryan McManis
    Chief Legal Officer
    RMcManis@halladorenergy.com

    Investor Relations Contact

    Sean Mansouri, CFA
    Elevate IR
    (720) 330-2829
    HNRG@elevate-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stacks to be Showcased at Blockchain and Digital Assets Virtual Investor Conference on June 5th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stacks (STX), the leading Bitcoin Layer-2 (L2), which is dedicated to unlocking and scaling Bitcoin’s full potential, will be represented at the upcoming Blockchain and Digital Assets Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com on June 5th, 2025. Kyle Ellicott, Executive Director at the Stacks Asia Foundation, is scheduled to present live at the event. Stacks enables both retail and institutional users and investors to seamlessly participate in the Bitcoin economy.

    Event Details

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Date: June 5, 2025
    Time: 11:00 AM ET
    Link: REGISTER HERE

    Kyle Ellicott will be available for 1×1 meetings with investors on June 5th & 10th. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Stacks Highlights

    • sBTC, the programmable Bitcoin asset built on Stacks, has seen three successful cap raises, each filling rapidly. The latest 5,000 BTC subscription cap was filled within hours after opening. An sBTC incentive program also allows investors to earn yield on their Bitcoin, which has drawn significant and increasing interest from investors and institutions.
    • Stacks is now recognized as the top Bitcoin Layer 2 according to bitcoinlayers.org, leading the sector in programmability and DeFi adoption.
    • Stacks’ TVL has surged recently, surpassing $113 million, with TVL tripling since the launch of key DeFi protocols, reflecting accelerated ecosystem growth and user engagement.
    • A new Stacks roadmap was released in May 2025, outlining upcoming technical upgrades, strategic developments, and a focused push toward $1B+ TVL.
    • Major new partnerships and integrations have been established with industry leaders such as BitGo, Asymmetric, Hex Trust, Bitfinex, and others.

    About Stacks
    Stacks is the leading Bitcoin Layer 2 (L2) and the top L2 by developer traction, user activity, and market capitalization. Stacks is unlocking over $1 trillion in passive Bitcoin capital and making BTC a fully programmable, productive asset. Stacks enables smart contracts and decentralized applications to leverage Bitcoin as a secure, programmable foundation. With the Nakamoto upgrade activated in October 2024, Stacks achieved near-instant transactions, while retaining the security and irreversibility of Bitcoin L1. The launch of sBTC in December 2024 opened the door for developers and users to use native BTC in smart contracts, DeFi, and other Bitcoin-secured applications, including paying gas fees with BTC. The Stacks (STX) token was the first to undergo an SEC-qualified sale in the United States, and the project fully decentralized before the mainnet launch in 2021.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Innovations in Imaging, such as AI-Enhanced Retinal & Fundus Camera Systems are Booming Along with Revenue Opportunities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The Retinal and Fundis Camera market has shown growth in the recent years and is expected to continue for years to come. Fundus cameras are sophisticated instruments utilized in ophthalmology for capturing detailed images of the retina. They employ a specialized optical design akin to an indirect ophthalmoscope, with the angle of view being a key parameter defining their functionality… Fundus photography enables physicians to meticulously examine retinal changes over time, facilitating collaboration among colleagues and enhancing patient care. A recent report from Precedence Research said: “The fundus cameras market experiences growth driven by the evolving landscape of imaging technologies, particularly in diagnosing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Traditionally, fundus photography with film-based cameras, preferably through pharmacologically dilated pupils, has been pivotal in documenting AMD severity. The emergence of high-resolution digital cameras presents new opportunities in the market. Comparisons among different imaging systems, including nonstereoscopic color retinal images taken with digital cameras through dark-adapted and dilated pupils, as well as stereoscopic images captured with standard film cameras, highlight the expanding applications of fundus cameras. Such comparisons underscore the need for versatile imaging solutions to accommodate diverse clinical scenarios, thus fueling the growth in the fundus cameras market.” Active healthcare/tech companies active in the markets include: Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI), Outlook Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: OTLK), Eyenovia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYEN), Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE: BLCO), Biomea Fusion, Inc. (NASDAQ: BMEA).

    Precedence Research continued: “The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into fundus cameras presents a significant opportunity for market growth. AI algorithms demonstrate high accuracy in detecting diseases like diabetic retinopathy (DR), offering improved diagnostic capabilities. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms utilizing preoperative fundus photography alongside other data parameters have shown promise in identifying at-risk eyes for postoperative complications after refractive surgery. Deep learning algorithms applied to fundus photographs have been successful in predicting cerebral white matter hyperintensity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and detecting DR with remarkable precision. Studies exploring AI’s role in correlating fundus photos, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and external eye photography with systemic diseases exhibit promising results. Particularly, AI-driven screening for DR holds significant potential. These advancements highlight the prospective role of AI-integrated fundus imaging in screening, diagnosing, and managing various retinal diseases, thus creating substantial opportunities for growth in the fundus cameras market.” The report added: “The global fundus cameras market size accounted for USD $676.46 Million in 2025 and is forecasted to hit around USD $943.12 Million by 2034, representing a CAGR of 3.80% from 2025 to 2034.”

    Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) and Partner, Ainnova, Finalizing Automated Retinal Camera Prototype Ahead of Full-Scale Development – Avant Technologies, Inc. (“Avant” or the “Company”) and its JV partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), a leading healthcare technology company focused on revolutionizing early disease detection using artificial intelligence (AI), today announced the Company is in the final stages of prototyping its proprietary automated retinal camera. Ainnova’s new device will offer users a low cost, easier to use camera that captures images automatically and then uploads those images to the Company’s Vision AI software platform, which then produces a “risk report” in mere seconds.

    Vinicio Vargas, Chief Executive Officer at Ainnova and member of the Board of Directors of the joint venture company, Ai-nova Acquisition Corp., said, “The cost of a fundus camera has always been a barrier to entry into in this market, so our low-cost camera, which is a fraction of the cost of currently available cameras on the market, should allow us to not only enter the market, but to capture a large share of the market.

    “Another significant advantage will be that our camera will be seamlessly packaged together with our Vision AI platform, allowing us to refer more patients in less time and accurately to medical specialists. Also, one of our objectives is to integrate other technologies to this preventive screening, expanding the scope from only diabetic patients to patients who have other risk factors and want to prevent other diseases from a more complete approach.”

    Vision AI is a powerful cutting-edge, AI-driven platform that can quickly and accurately detect the early markers of a host of diseases by applying AI models to examine imaging data from the eye to expedite earlier detection and allow patients to better manage their disease. The diseases that Vision AI can detect, include diabetic retinopathy, other retinopathies, such as glaucoma, macular edema, age-related macular degeneration, and other anomalies, as well as other diseases that do not require retinal images, and instead, use other datapoints that Ainnova has integrated into the software like the detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, liver fibrosis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

    Currently, Ainnova’s Vision AI software works well with any fundus camera on the market; however, Ainnova and Avant are aiming for exclusivity by developing a lower-cost, easier to use camera.

    Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), the company formed by the partnership between Avant and Ainnova, will develop the retinal cameras as part of the joint venture and licensing deal to facilitate the development of Ainnova’s technology portfolio. AAC owns the global licensing rights to develop, maintain, and market Ainnova’s technology portfolio. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Avant Technologies at:   https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-avai/

    In other developments and happenings in the biotech market recently include:

    Outlook Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: OTLK), a biopharmaceutical company focused on enhancing the standard of care for bevacizumab for the treatment of retina diseases, recently announced that LYTENAVA™ (bevacizumab gamma) is now commercially available in Germany and the UK for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). LYTENAVA™ (bevacizumab gamma) is the first and only authorized ophthalmic formulation of bevacizumab for use in treating wet AMD in adults in the European Union and UK.

    “We are excited to have launched LYTENAVA™ (bevacizumab gamma) for patients with wet AMD in Germany and the UK. I would like to extend sincere gratitude to the Outlook team and our partners for their commitment and dedication that helped to get us to this major milestone. Going forward, we remain laser focused on ensuring success in Germany and the UK as well as preparing for additional launches across the region later this year and throughout 2026,” commented Jedd Comiskey, Senior Vice President, Head of Europe at Outlook Therapeutics.

    Eyenovia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYEN), an ophthalmic technology company developing the proprietary Optejet® topical ophthalmic medication dispensing platform, recently provided updates on its potential merger with Betaliq and the ongoing development of its novel Optejet user filled device (UFD), and reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Negotiations continue towards a binding merger agreement with Betaliq, a clinical-stage private pharmaceutical company focused on glaucoma with access to Eyesol®, a non-aqueous technology that may address many of the needs of these patients. We have agreed to extend the binding exclusivity period set forth in the Letter of Intent until June 7, 2025, to allow more time to complete and execute the anticipated merger agreement.

    Progress in the development of the Optejet user-filled device (UFD) continues and remains on track to file for U.S. regulatory approval in September of this year. An approval would provide for potential multiple commercial opportunities either directly with consumers or through eye care practitioner offices as well as potential and existing license partners, including Arctic Vision in China and Korea.

    Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE: BLCO), a leading global eye health company dedicated to helping people see better to live better, recently announced the U.S. launch of LUMIFY Preservative Free redness reliever eye drops, the first and only preservative-free over-the-counter eye drops with low-dose brimonidine tartrate 0.025% that relieve redness of the eye due to minor eye irritations.

    “Consumers often say how amazed they are at the difference our original LUMIFY makes to their eyes, with over 50,000 five-star reviews as proof,” said John Ferris, president, Consumer, Bausch + Lomb. “LUMIFY Preservative Free brings that same fast-acting formula to those with sensitive eyes — delivering a visibly brighter, whiter look in just 60 seconds.”

    Biomea Fusion, Inc. (NASDAQ: BMEA), recently announced that preliminary clinical data from the Phase I COVALENT-103 trial of BMF-500 in adults with acute leukemia (AL) were selected for a poster presentation at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2025 Congress, taking place June 12–15 in Milan, Italy.

    The presentation will highlight emerging safety, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and clinical activity of BMF-500, a covalent FLT3 inhibitor, in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) AL, including those with FLT3 mutations (FLT3m) who have previously received FLT3 inhibitors such as gilteritinib (gilt).

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fearful of reaching your next milestone age? A psychologist’s tips to combat the ‘birthday blues’

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jolanta Burke, Associate Professor, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    DavideAngelini/Shutterstock

    Birthdays are typically seen as joyful events, filled with celebration, laughter and gifts. Yet it’s not uncommon, particularly if you are approaching a milestone age, to feel sad on your birthday.

    Birthdays can trigger painful emotions for anyone who may feel neglected, lonely, or disappointed about how their lives turned out to be. They are also reminders of ageing and mortality, and may bring feelings of grief for lost time or fear about the future.

    Milestone birthdays, such as turning 30 or 40, are even associated with particularly high instances of suicide, according to research from Japan. More people also die of stroke and a heart attack around their birthdays than on other days.

    All of these negative feelings, whether extreme depression or just feeling a bit disappointed, make up what’s sometimes known as the “birthday blues”.



    Read more:
    Fear of ageing is really a fear of the unknown – and modern society is making things worse

    One important factor influencing whether you will get the birthday blues is how satisfied you are with your life. Life satisfaction is the degree to which you feel your life aligns with your expectations, and whether you have met, exceeded or fallen short of your life goals.

    If you’re approaching a big birthday, you may feel susceptible to the comparison trap of social media, or feel self-conscious about where you are in life. Birthdays are an often unwelcome benchmark by which to measure how well we are doing at any given age.

    No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

    Read more from Quarter Life:

    Another important factor is whether you have a clear sense of meaning in your life. A clear sense of meaning is associated with greater wellbeing, while ongoing search for meaning is associated with mental health challenges.

    Milestone birthdays often prompt people to re-evaluate their meaning in life. This introspection may result in emotional distress, a decline in wellbeing or even suicidal thoughts – or, it can be a positive step into a new decade.

    Rewriting your birthday

    You might imagine what you would like your milestone birthday celebration to look like, but sometimes reality does not match up. Perhaps you imagined a big party, only to realise you don’t have the social circle to make it happen, or that friends are busy with work and other commitments. You may long for a quiet birthday with a partner and children, yet find yourself still living with your parents, or without a partner or family of your own.

    Here are some practical steps you can take to have a more positive approach to your birthday.

    1. Envision your best possible self

    My colleague and I once worked with a small group of women aged over 55 who struggled to look forward to their retirement. For many, their future felt uncertain, even frightening. To help them shift their mindset, we introduced an activity “Best Possible Self”.

    We encouraged participants to re-imagine their future, focusing on what could go well for them and setting up goals to make their vision come true. After three months, even those who dreaded talking about the future noted a significant increase in hopefulness. The activity reminded them that good times could still come.

    Writing about your best possible self for just 20 minutes a day over a few days, especially around your birthday, could help you re-imagine your future and nurture a sense of hope, no matter what stage of life you are in.

    It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.
    India Picture/Shutterstock

    2. Pick an alternative birthday setting or an activity

    Birthdays don’t have to be a big night out. Plan an activity or visit a place you genuinely enjoy and which brings you happiness or comfort. This could be a walk in a park, attending a theatre performance, or a cosy day at home.

    Instead of just going through the motions, focus on enhancing the emotional quality of the experience. Pick a park that holds a special meaning or memories for you, or plan some home-based activities that energise you, such as cooking your favourite meal, creating art or watching a movie you love.

    3. Practice mindful awareness

    Notice the sounds, smells and other sensations as you go through your day. Pay attention to the emotions that arise, whether it is joy, nostalgia or hope.

    Reflect on how your thoughts have changed as a result of this experience. Perhaps think about what you are grateful for, what you’ve achieved in the last year, how far you have come from more challenging times in the past or what your hopeful vision is towards the future.

    4. Express and reinforce your positive experiences

    Find meaningful ways to express yourself and record your birthday. This might be by writing an entry in a journal, calling someone and sharing your insights, or creating something, like a playlist, photo collage, or drawing to capture this moment.

    Fear of ageing is also about fear of the unknown. We can combat this by cultivating hope – recognising what is going well for us in life and believing in the possibility of better days ahead.

    To ease the pressure of having a “happy birthday”, it might help to aim instead for a more compassionate “hopeful birthday”. This mindset acknowledges the complexity of ageing, and leaves room for both celebration and vulnerability. In a world that demands constant positivity, where we’re expected to keep smiling, stay positive and suppress discomfort, it offers us a break to be ourselves.

    The risk of suicide around birthdays is particularly high for those who have depression or autism. If you are feeling upset about your birthday or belong to a vulnerable group, reach out to a helpline, counsellor, therapist, family member or a friend and ask for support during this challenging time. It is easier to tackle the birthday blues together, than do it on your own.

    In the UK: Samaritans are available by phone, for free, at 116 123, or by email at jo@samaritans.org. Further resources can also be found here.

    Jolanta Burke 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. Fearful of reaching your next milestone age? A psychologist’s tips to combat the ‘birthday blues’ – https://theconversation.com/fearful-of-reaching-your-next-milestone-age-a-psychologists-tips-to-combat-the-birthday-blues-255799

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Korea election: Lee Jae-myung takes over a country split by gender politics

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ming Gao, Research Scholar of East Asia Studies, Lund University

    Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung has won South Korea’s snap presidential election with a clear lead. With all of the ballots counted, Lee won almost 50% of the vote, ahead of his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo on 41%. He takes over a country that is deeply divided along gender lines.

    Lee’s campaign effectively channelled voter anger. He focused on resetting South Korea’s politics after impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was from the same party as Kim, unleashed chaos by declaring martial law in December 2024.

    However, gender conflict has continued, subtly but powerfully, to shape voter behaviour, campaign strategies and the national debate about who is to blame for the lack of opportunities in South Korea for young men.

    The election took place three years after Yoon pipped Lee to the presidency by just a quarter of a million votes – the closest margin in the country’s history. Yoon’s victory was, as has been noted by researcher Kyungja Jung, “the epitome of the utilisation of gender wars”.

    A key part of Yoon’s strategy was fostering a sense among young Korean men that it was now them, rather than women, who were the victims of discrimination. He secured 59% of the vote from men in their 20s and 53% from men in their 30s. Just 34% of women in their 20s supported him.

    In the latest election, gender was everywhere and nowhere all at once. On the one hand, not a single candidate put forward a meaningful policy to address structural gender discrimination in the workplace, domestic violence or public sexual harassment.

    None even mentioned the gaping absence of women candidates, despite thousands of mostly young women having filled the streets demanding democracy after Yoon’s martial law declaration. It was the first time in nearly 20 years that not a single woman stood among the contenders for the highest role in the country.

    Lee, positioning himself as the consensus candidate, attempted to neutralise gender as a campaign issue. When reporters asked him whether he would announce any women-related pledges, he said: “Why do you keep dividing men and women? They are all Koreans.”

    His remark may sound inclusive. But it signals a strategy to declare the gender issue off-limits for the sake of the greater good, thus sidestepping the specific inequalities that continue to divide the country. It’s a form of unity by erasure.

    Lee Jun-seok of the right-wing Reform party, on the other hand, tried to resurrect the same playbook that delivered Yoon to power in 2022. He attempted to provoke, polarise and win the loyalty of disaffected young men.

    As Yoon had done three years ago, he called for the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. And during a televised debate, he asked: “If someone says they want to stick chopsticks into women’s genitals, would that count as misogyny?” The question was a nod to a controversial online remark Lee Jae-myung’s son had made years earlier.

    Lee Jun-seok’s comment drew widespread condemnation and, ultimately, he only scraped about 7.7% of the total vote. This included over 37% of men in their 20s, while 58% of women in the same age group backed Lee Jae-myung. Gender is a highly political matter in South Korea whichever way you look at it.

    Gender wars

    This gender divide is now one of the most consistent features of South Korean politics. Women are vocal and visible in public to safeguard not just their own rights, but also South Korea’s democracy.

    Yet populist politicians have cultivated a perception among young men – squeezed by stagnant wages, fierce competition over jobs and social expectations – that their diminishing opportunities are due to policies they see as favouring women.

    This has resulted in many young South Korean men seeing feminism not as a movement for equality but as an obstacle to their own progress. In reality, their struggle has less to do with gender and more to do with structural inequalities in income and opportunity for all young Koreans.

    As Kyungja Jung observed in a paper from 2024: “Misogyny becomes an outlet for their [South Korean men’s] frustration and masculinity crisis as they search for a scapegoat for their struggles in neoliberal society. They blame women rather than the neoliberal economy.”

    Young people even from the best universities in Korea feel they cannot compete in the job market no matter what they do. South Korea now has one of the highest rates of young people not in education, employment or training among the OECD countries. This has given rise to the so-called “N-Po” generation, who feel so disadvantaged that they have given up on all future dreams of marriage, family and a career.

    South Korea isn’t alone in mobilising backlash against feminism and gender equality. Around the globe, gender has become one of the major fault lines in politics. In the November 2024 US election, Donald Trump led among young men by 14 points, while Kamala Harris had an 18-point edge with young women.

    Meanwhile, self-described misogynist Andrew Tate continues to shape young male attitudes online. And in Italy, Giorgia Meloni rose to power on a far-right platform that, despite being a woman herself, reduces women to their roles as mothers and homemakers.

    Young women played a key role in the protests against Yoon’s martial law declaration.
    Icelander / Shutterstock

    One model for change in South Korea could be to introduce quotas for women in politics to make their voices heard. Women only occupy around 20% of the 300 seats in South Korea’s National Assembly, trailing well behind the global (27.2%) and Asian (22.1%) averages. If women are not in politics making decisions about themselves, then their voices will not be heard beyond the streets.

    Lee Jae-myung’s win has given South Korea a moment to breathe. But the fault lines remain. When an entire demographic, be it young men or women, feels systematically unheard or structurally discriminated against, opportunistic voices can move in to fill the void.

    Gender is political. Ignoring it may be just as risky as confronting it head-on.

    Ming Gao receives funding from the Swedish Research Council. This research was produced with support from the Swedish Research Council grant “Moved Apart” (nr. 2022-01864). Ming Gao is a member of Lund University Profile Area: Human Rights.

    Joanna Elfving-Hwang receives funding from the Academy of Korean Studies. This research was supported by the Core University Program for Korean Studies through the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and Korean Studies Promotion Service of the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS-2022-OLU-2250005).

    – ref. South Korea election: Lee Jae-myung takes over a country split by gender politics – https://theconversation.com/south-korea-election-lee-jae-myung-takes-over-a-country-split-by-gender-politics-257923

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – Newly elected President Lee Jae-myung officially begins his mandate

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 4 June 2025

    CBCK

    Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is the new President of the Republic of South Korea. His term will last five years. In the 21st presidential elections held on June 3, Lee received 49.42% of the votes cast, while his rival, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, received 41.15%. Voter turnout was the highest in 28 years, with 79.4% of eligible voters, and more than 35.2 million people went to the polls. In his first address to the nation, Lee Jae-myung promised to lead the country out of the crisis it has been going through following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who had illegally imposed martial law. The 61-year-old lawyer and human rights defender described the election as “judgment day” on the martial law imposed by Yoon and the People Power Party’s inability to prevent it. “The first task is to resolutely defeat the insurgency and ensure that there will never be another military coup against the people using guns and swords,” Lee said. This morning, June 4, Lee was officially confirmed as president by the National Election Commission, assuming presidential powers and command of the armed forces. The new political direction faces several economic and social challenges: In a highly polarized society, the largely export-based economy is exposed to unpredictable protectionist measures by the United States, which is both a major trading partner and the country’s most important security ally. Lee said he wants to increase investment in innovation and technology to boost economic growth, while also strengthening support for middle- and low-income families and combating inequality and corruption. In the area of foreign policy, the president, in presenting the main policy goals for his five-year term, announced his willingness to resume suspended talks with North Korea and to strengthen a trilateral partnership with the United States and Japan. In light of this new political phase, the Catholic Church in Korea has expressed its hopes. In a congratulatory message, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea recalled that “our people saw the roots of the Constitution shaken in the context of martial law and deeply felt the importance of the proper exercise of state power during the process of arresting and removing the president.” The message, signed by the chairman of the bishops’ conference, Bishop Matthias Iong-hoon Ri, further states: “At this time, we need reliable leadership who will uphold principles and walk the path of justice and true peace even amidst conflict and clashes.” The bishops ask that the new president lead the country “so that it becomes a place where all citizens… can enjoy dignity and respect, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.” In particular, the Bishops’ Conference requests: “Please examine the situation so that the South and the North can be reconciled, so that peace can be established on the Korean peninsula, and so that we can respond to the global situation with united forces.” Finally, it expresses the hope that “the Lord may grant wisdom and courage” so that “all the people of our country can become one and enjoy true happiness.” In an official statement, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick, Archbishop of Seoul and Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang, emphasizes: “President Lee Jae-myung, elected by the will of the people, will now stand by all, not just one side, and I believe that he will unite scattered hearts and demonstrate worthy leadership for all the people. Especially in these days when political conflicts and social tensions are increasing, I sincerely hope that the President will, above all, set an example of moderation and listening.” “I also hope,” the Archbishop continued, “that he will demonstrate a deep sense of responsibility and a strong spirit of solidarity” and that the President will be “a leader who builds bridges, not walls” and “goes beyond partisan interests to restore social trust and the common good.”Father Paul Seong Ki-heon of the Catholic University of Korea added: “Peace is a fundamental value not only for the Catholic Church, but for all humanity. We must think and act proactively for peace. I believe there is a genuine desire for peace in the hearts of our people, and I think the government must certainly commit itself to peace, especially in inter-Korean relations.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 4/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xinjiang to Complete Smart Checkpoint System by 2035

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    URUMQI, June 4 (Xinhua) — The Commerce Department of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and eight other regional departments on Thursday jointly released a plan for the implementation of the smart checkpoint project, which aims to comprehensively promote the modernization of checkpoints.

    The plan is divided into three stages: by 2025, the Horgos, Alashankou and Urumqi air ports will basically be modernized and intelligent; by 2030, they will reach the national advanced level in terms of informatization; and by 2035, a system of intelligent ports that adapts to the requirements of China’s modernization and maintains high-level opening up to the outside world will be fully built.

    The plan also includes measures such as improving convenience for foreign trade enterprises, establishing a platform for operating freight trains on China-Europe international freight routes, promoting the connectivity of Xinjiang’s checkpoints with neighboring Central Asian countries, and formulating standards for the construction of smart checkpoints.

    Wu Songli, deputy director of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Portal Administration Office, noted that Xinjiang is located in the core area of the Belt and Road. In the future, it will be necessary to further strengthen the joint use of portal facilities, equipment and data, and comprehensively increase their throughput capacity, thereby contributing to promoting overall opening-up to the outside world and promoting high-quality socio-economic development in Xinjiang. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Comments on Lee Jae-myung’s Election as President of the Republic of Korea

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian on Wednesday commented on the election of Lee Jae-myung as the new president of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

    Chinese President Xi Jinping has already congratulated Lee Jae-myung on his election as President of the Republic of Korea, Lin Jian said at a regular departmental press conference, answering a relevant question.

    Noting that China and the ROK are important close neighbors and cooperation partners, Lin Jian stressed that China attaches great importance to developing relations with the ROK.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman added that China is willing to cooperate with the ROK to remain true to the original goal of establishing diplomatic relations, firmly follow the direction of good-neighborliness and friendship, and adhere to the goal of achieving mutual benefit and win-win results.

    China is ready to work together with the Republic of Korea to promote the progressive development of bilateral relations of strategic cooperation and partnership for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries, the Chinese diplomat concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lee Jae-myung sworn in as new president of Republic of Korea

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SEOUL, June 4 (Xinhua) — Lee Jae-myung was sworn in as the new president of the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Wednesday after formally starting his five-year term earlier in the day.

    The country’s 21st president took the oath of office in the National Assembly /parliament/ building, declaring in a televised inauguration speech that he would serve all people, regardless of who they supported in the presidential election.

    Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the country’s leading liberal Toburo Democratic Party, won 49.42 percent of the vote, defeating his main rival Kim Moon-soo, the candidate of the conservative Civil Power Party, by a wide margin of 8.27 percentage points.

    He stressed that Kazakhstan is at a turning point of great transformations in the face of challenges such as competition for artificial intelligence, climate change and the expansion of protectionist measures.

    Lee Jae-myung pledged to start with efforts to improve people’s living standards and revive the ailing economy, saying his government would create new engines of growth.

    The Liberal leader said his administration would seek balanced regional development across the country to ensure sustainable growth while actively supporting the cultural industry.

    He vowed to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), protecting people from various accidents such as riots and plane crashes.

    The president took office without a transition period after winning snap elections triggered by the removal of his predecessor from office due to the imposition of martial law in December last year.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by the heads of parliament, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court and the Electoral Supervisory Board, as well as legislators and cabinet members.

    Before the event, Lee Jae-myung paid tribute to the fallen at the Seoul National Cemetery, where national heroes who gave their lives for the country are buried. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Regional office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature opened in Uzbekistan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Tashkent, June 4 /Xinhua/ — A regional office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature has opened in Uzbekistan, the Narodnoye Slovo newspaper reported on Wednesday.

    “Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov held a meeting with Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature /IUCN/ Gretel Aguilar,” the statement said.

    During the talks, it was noted that since Uzbekistan joined IUCN in 2021, cooperation has been developing in a sustainable and constructive manner. Particular attention was paid to the opening of the first IUCN office for Central Asia in Uzbekistan.

    The parties also expressed confidence that the IUCN office will become an effective tool for implementing joint initiatives for nature conservation. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • India’s path to 2070 net-zero target requires heavy investment in power sector: Moody’s

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India will need massive investment to achieve its 2070 net-zero pledge as it balances energy security, affordability and transition, Moody’s Ratings said on Wednesday.

    Achieving this pledge will necessitate substantial investment, particularly in the power sector, which is a material contributor to the nation’s carbon emissions.

    Over the next decade, these investments are projected to constitute 2 per cent of real GDP for the electricity value chain, encompassing power generation, storage, transmission and distribution, the report mentioned.

    The government’s plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 will be contingent upon a shift in the fuel mix from the current predominantly coal-fired power toward clean and renewable energy.

    However, strong economic growth implies India will also expand its coal-based power generation capacity by 32-35 per cent (or around 70GW-75GW) over the next 10 years, even as it adds around 450GW of renewable energy over the same period.

    “We expect the private sector to remain active in India’s renewable energy sector, while government-owned companies will also increase their role,” said Abhishek Tyagi, a Moody’s Vice President and Senior Credit Officer.

    Solar and wind power will dominate new generation capacity additions over the next 20-25 years, with smaller nuclear and hydropower additions, he added.

    Securing diverse sources of capital, including foreign investments (both debt and equity), will be crucial to bridge the funding gap for energy transition-related infrastructure.

    Meanwhile, the government has planned sizeable capex under its ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’ to augment port capacity and infrastructure over the course of next few years.

    Moody’s Indian affiliate ICRA expects cargo volumes to rise by 3-5 per cent in FY26, driven largely by the growth in the container, petroleum products and the fertiliser segment.

    Apart from the traditional segments like transportation and energy within infrastructure space, data centre is emerging as a new hotspot for infrastructure investment.

    ICRA expects significant investment pipeline of Rs 1.6-1.8 trillion in data centre (DC) capacity addition over next 5-6 years in India, supported by rapid digitalisation along with favourable policy measures.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK-Chengdu logistics links explored

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, leading a Hong Kong Logistics Development Council delegation, started a visit to Chengdu and Chongqing today.

    The trip aims to promote Hong Kong’s strengths in logistics, foster industry exchanges, and explore collaboration opportunities in logistics and shipping.

    Upon arrival in Chengdu, the delegation visited Chengdu Tianfu International Airport’s international cargo terminal to view the operations of an express cargo centre which commenced operation late last year, in order to understand its procedures for handling goods of cross-border e-commerce platforms.

    The delegation later met Sichuan Port & Logistics Office Director Xie Wei to explore the potential in Hong Kong-Sichuan logistics collaboration.

    The delegates were also briefed by representatives of the Sichuan Port & Shipping Investment Group on its work on constructing “logistics and trade ports”, “hub ports”, “industrial ports”, “digital intelligence ports” as well as “financial ports”.

    In the evening, the delegation called on Sichuan’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Zhang Tao to exchange views on facilitating exchanges and collaborations between Hong Kong and Sichuan in logistics and transport.

    Noting that Sichuan plays a leading role in the development of China’s western region, Ms Chan said: “Hong Kong has been attaching great importance to its economic and trade ties with Sichuan. I believe there is further room for more complementarity and collaboration in shipping and logistics between Hong Kong and Sichuan.”

    The Chengdu-Shenzhen-Hong Kong scheduled rail-sea service was launched last week, enabling goods from Chengdu to reach Hong Kong via Shenzhen in as short as three days. Ms Chan said she believes Hong Kong and Sichuan can create an efficient and quality logistics corridor through strengthening logistics co-operation to facilitate the export of Sichuan’s goods to overseas markets.

    The delegation departed for Chongqing this evening and will continue the visit tomorrow.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Minerals and non-ferrous metal production records growth in FY 2025-26

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s mining and quarrying sector continued its upward trajectory in FY 2025-26, with notable gains in mineral and non-ferrous metal production. The index of mineral production for March 2025 stood at 156.8, marking a 0.4% increase over March 2024. Key minerals such as iron ore, manganese ore, and zinc concentrate registered significant year-on-year growth.

    Iron ore production rose by 5.7% to 25.9 million metric tonnes (MMT) in March 2025. Manganese ore output increased by 9.7% to 0.39 MMT, while zinc concentrate production climbed 5.5% to 0.19 MMT compared to the same month last year.

    This strong momentum follows a record-setting FY 2024-25, during which India produced 289 MMT of iron ore—accounting for 70% of the total MCDR mineral production by value.

    Provisional estimates for April 2025, the first month of FY 2025-26, indicate continued growth across key minerals:

    Bauxite: Up 13.9%, from 1.87 MMT in April 2024 to 2.13 MMT

    Limestone: Up 1.2%, from 39.58 MMT to 40.5 MMT

    Lead & Zinc Ore: Up 2.4%, from 1.24 MMT to 1.27 MMT

    Zinc Concentrate: Up 7.7%, from 0.13 MMT to 0.14 MMT

    In the non-ferrous metals segment, primary aluminium production in April 2025 grew by 1.5% year-on-year, rising from 3.42 lakh tonnes (LT) to 3.47 LT. Refined copper production posted a more substantial increase of 15.6%, reaching 0.52 LT, up from 0.45 LT in April 2024.

    India remains the world’s second-largest aluminium producer and ranks among the top 10 producers of refined copper. The sustained growth in both aluminium and copper production underscores robust demand from critical sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery—highlighting continued economic resilience and industrial expansion.

  • Australian defence minister meets PM Modi, backs India’s fight against cross-border terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday. The meeting marked the fifth anniversary of the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and underscored both nations’ commitment to further deepening their bilateral ties.

    PM Modi congratulated Marles on the Australian Labor Party’s historic victory in the recent federal elections, reflecting the strength of the democratic values shared between the two nations.

    The leaders engaged in wide-ranging discussions on key areas of collaboration, particularly focusing on strengthening defence industrial cooperation, building resilient supply chains, and enhancing partnerships in critical minerals and emerging technologies.

    Reaffirming their shared vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, both leaders emphasized the importance of strategic alignment in maintaining peace and regional stability.

    Marles reiterated Australia’s unwavering support for India’s efforts in combating cross-border terrorism—an issue of mutual concern that continues to shape security cooperation in the region.

    During the meeting, PM Modi extended a formal invitation to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to attend the Annual India–Australia Summit, scheduled to be held in India later this year.

    The visit comes at a pivotal moment in India–Australia relations, symbolizing the growing convergence of strategic, economic, and security interests between the two Indo-Pacific partners.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sun Dong visits automobile firm

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong learned about the operations of China FAW Group Corporation (FAW Group) yesterday and today during a visit to Changchun, Jilin.

    Upon arriving in the city yesterday afternoon, Prof Sun held an engagement session with the management of the automobile manufacturer.

    He was briefed on the group’s enhanced innovation capabilities, core technology research endeavours, and its development of its own brands. 

    Today, Prof Sun visited the China FAW NBD Headquarters’ research and development institute, the group’s “prosperity factory” and its Cultural Exhibition Hall.

    He learned about technological breakthroughs spanning new energy vehicle models, advanced manufacturing technologies and processes, and autonomous driving systems, in relation to the group’s Hongqi brand.

    Prof Sun also learned about the FAW Group’s innovative achievements as a state-owned mega automobile enterprise and a leading corporation in China’s automobile industry.

    Prof Sun outlined that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Hong Kong Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint identifies advanced manufacturing, new energy and new industrialisation as key strategic priorities.

    “Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong has the unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the country and being closely connected to the world. It is a two-way gateway for attracting overseas enterprises to Hong Kong and helping Mainland enterprises go global, as well as an ideal platform for Mainland enterprises to venture overseas markets.”

    The technology chief said he looked forward to Hong Kong making new contributions to the innovative development of the country’s new energy automobile industry chain.

    Prof Sun also highlighted that the 2025 International Automotive Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong) will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo from June 12 to 15.

    He said the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau, as the expo’s advising organisation, believes Hong Kong can serve as an exchange platform for the global automobile industry’s supply chain.

    Moreover, it hopes the expo will promote new industrialisation in Hong Kong, while showcasing cutting-edge technologies and the latest achievements of the Mainland’s new energy automobile industry.

    Commissioner for Industry (Innovation & Technology) Ge Ming was also part of the visit.

    Prof Sun returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Researchers and Industry Flock to UConn to Talk Poultry Innovations and Impacts

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) welcomed fellow researchers and poultry industry representatives from across the US and the world to the Storrs campus to continue their interdependent work on the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project. 

    In 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) awarded Kumar Venkitanarayanan, CAHNR senior associate dean of research and graduate education and professor of animal science, a $10 million grant in 2020 to lead the initiative. 

    The group of attendees came from around the world to join the meeting of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)

    “This group has made considerable progress on each component of our project – bird health, human health, and the environmental impact of the poultry industry,” says Venkitanarayanan. “This has been a collective effort, and being able to meet to continue discussing and sharing ideas keeps our work moving forward.” 

    At the two-day meeting, held at the Innovation Partnership Building, the multi-institutional group and its project teams discussed their on-going efforts to enhance broiler sustainability without antibiotics and ensure safe approaches to improve chicken, human, and environmental health. The meeting comes as the grant enters its final year and the group begins assessing the scope and breadth of the innovations and impacts made over the last five years. 

    Indu Upadhyaya, associate extension food safety education speaks at a meeting of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)
    Lively discussion at a meeting of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Poultry Project (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo)

    The group has made a number of technological advancements to lower heat stress, improve bird welfare, generate energy from poultry litter, and reduce disease, including a UConn-patented probiotic spray method that improves the hatchability and the health of chicks. 

    Additionally, the project has also developed classes and outreach programs to train producers and the next generation of poultry farmers, including a class right here at UConn. 

    Their efforts to ensure the long-term viability, safety, and public trust in antibiotic-restricted poultry farming took a global perspective at the meeting. International speakers discussed poultry production practices around the world, including Mexico, Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa. 

    The meeting also featured an industry panel Q&A and a poster session. 

    “We approach our work from a One Health perspective, acknowledging the connection between the health of people, animals, and our environment,” says Venkitanarayanan. “This work is critically important for our society and CAHNR is a unique leader in this type of interdisciplinary research.” 

    Other institutions involved in this project are Appalachian State University, University of Arkansas, University of Georgia, Auburn University, Kansas State University, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina State University, Pennsylvania State University, Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of Arkansas, Maryland, and Mississippi. 

    This research is supported by USDA NIFA award number 2020-69012-31823. 

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: MoneyHero and RCBC Forge Strategic Partnership to Tap into the Philippines’ Expanding Card Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) (MoneyHero” or the “Company”), a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia, today announced a strategic partnership with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (“RCBC”), a trusted leader in Philippine banking known for its customer-focused innovation and inclusive financial services, through its card servicing entity, RCBC Bankard Services Corporation (“RCBC Credit Cards”). Through this collaboration, MoneyHero will integrate RCBC’s full suite of rewards, lifestyle, travel, and premium credit card products into its digital platform, enabling Filipinos to seamlessly discover, compare, and apply for cards that suit their personal financial needs.

    This partnership significantly expands MoneyHero’s credit card offerings in the Philippines and reinforces its position as the leading digital acquisition partner for banks and personal finance aggregation and comparison platforms in the region. By combining MoneyHero’s digital conversion expertise with RCBC’s strong growth momentum in consumer finance and strategic focus on data-driven innovation, the strategic partnership will improve customer experience and expand access to personal financial solutions. Together, they will advance a more inclusive and digitally empowered financial ecosystem for Filipinos.

    Rohith Murthy, CEO of MoneyHero, said: “We are excited to welcome RCBC as a partner on our platform. By combining MoneyHero’s aggregation technology with RCBC’s rich credit card portfolio, we are empowering Filipino consumers to make smarter financial decisions. This partnership continues our mission to simplify financial choices for consumers while supporting our bank partners in driving digital acquisition at scale. This partnership accelerates our penetration into regional markets, deepens user engagement, and highlights our asset-light, mutually-beneficially partnership-led growth model.”

    Arniel Vincent B. Ong, RCBC Credit Cards President & CEO, said: “We’re excited to partner with MoneyHero to offer our full suite of credit cards directly to consumers through a seamless digital experience. Our credit card business has shown exceptional momentum, with credit card receivables growing 48% and cards in force increasing 21% in 2024 alone, underscoring strong consumer engagement. This rapid growth in credit cards will make us a powerful partner for MoneyHero’s expanding presence in the country. By integrating with MoneyHero’s platform, we’re making it easier for Filipinos to compare and apply for the card that best fits their needs, strengthening our commitment to innovation and financial inclusion.”​​​​​

    About MoneyHero Group

    MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) is a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia. The Company operates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines. Its brand portfolio includes B2C platforms MoneyHero, SingSaver, Money101, Moneymax and Seedly, as well as the B2B platform Creatory. The Company also retains an equity stake in Malaysian fintech company, Jirnexu Pte. Ltd., parent company of Jirnexu Sdn. Bhd., the operator of RinggitPlus, Malaysia’s largest operating B2C platform. MoneyHero had over 290 commercial partner relationships as at 31 December 2024, and had approximately 6.2 million Monthly Unique Users across its platform for the three months ended 31 December 2024. The Company’s backers include Peter Thiel—co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and the Founders Fund—and Hong Kong businessman, Richard Li, the founder and chairman of Pacific Century Group. To learn more about MoneyHero and how the innovative fintech company is driving APAC’s digital economy, please visit www.MoneyHeroGroup.com.

    About Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation

    RCBC is a leading financial services provider in the Philippines offering a wide range of banking and financial products and services. RCBC is engaged in all aspects of traditional banking, investment banking, microfinance, retail financing (auto, mortgage and housing loans, and credit cards), remittance, leasing, foreign exchange, and stock brokering. RCBC is a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC), one of the oldest and largest conglomerates in South East Asia. For more information, please visit https://www.rcbc.com.

    About RCBC Bankard Services Corporation

    RCBC Bankard Services Corporation (“RBSC”) manages credit cards, personal loans, and merchant payment solutions for Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (“RCBC”). RCBC and RBSC are part of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, one of Southeast Asia’s oldest and largest conglomerates. RBSC provides innovative cashless payments and versatile add-on services. For more information about RBSC, please visit www.rcbccredit.com.

    For MoneyHero inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations:
    MoneyHero IR Team
    IR@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    Media Relations:
    MoneyHero PR Team
    Press@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    For Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation inquiries, please contact:

    RCBC Credit Cards:
    email@service.rcbcbankard.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mizuho Americas Hires Nick Setyan as Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst Covering the Restaurant Sector

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mizuho Americas today announced the hiring of Nick Setyan as Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst covering the Restaurant sector. Based in Los Angeles, Setyan reports to the Head of Americas Equity Research, Bill Featherston.

    Setyan has 15 years of experience in the restaurant sector. He most recently served as Managing Director and Equity Research Analyst covering the Restaurant sector at Wedbush Securities where he spent his entire career holding various positions with increasing responsibility.

    “Nick is one of the top analysts in a dynamic sector drawing increasing interest from investors and issuers,” said Featherston. “His deep industry knowledge and relationships across executive management, franchisees, and owners will be a great asset to Mizuho’s growing research department.”

    Setyan holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and government from Cornell University and was a Bretschneider Fellow at Pembroke College, University of Oxford.

    About Mizuho Americas
    Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. is one of the largest financial institutions in the world as measured by total assets of ~$2 trillion, according to S&P Global 2024. Mizuho’s 65,000 employees worldwide offer comprehensive financial services to clients in 36 countries and 850 offices throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia.

    Mizuho Americas is a leading Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB) that provides a full spectrum of client-driven solutions across strategic advisory, capital markets, corporate banking, and fixed income and equities sales & trading to corporate, government, and institutional clients in the US, Canada, and Latin America. Through its acquisition of Greenhill, Mizuho enhanced its M&A, restructuring, and private capital advisory capabilities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Mizuho Americas employs approximately 4,000 professionals. For more information visit www.mizuhoamericas.com.

    For inquiries, please contact:
    Jim Gorman
    Executive Director, Media Relations, Mizuho Americas
    +1-212-282-3867
    jim.gorman@mizuhogroup.com

    The MIL Network –