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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Strengthening transatlantic partnerships and securing Canada’s AI advantage

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Working together, Canada and its transatlantic partners have created good-paying jobs for our peoples, strengthened our economies, and advanced progress on key priorities, including climate change and international security. With increasing geopolitical instability and economic disruptions, including proposed U.S. tariffs, it is critical to accelerate these partnerships, now and into the future.

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded a successful visit to Paris, France, and to Brussels, Belgium, where he strengthened Canada’s ties with transatlantic partners and made progress on shared priorities, including artificial intelligence (AI).

    In Paris, the Prime Minister participated in the AI Action Summit, co-chaired by France and India, where he engaged with business and policy leaders on how we unlock opportunities and growth for Canadians. As part of our 2025 G7 Presidency, the Prime Minister underlined Canada’s commitment to responsibly power, adopt, and share AI. This includes helping partners access clean and reliable energy to power AI, finding ways to leverage AI and build more reliable energy grids, supporting small and medium-sized businesses’ use of AI to improve their productivity, and sharing the AI revolution with the world so our prosperity remains inclusive.

    At the Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau signed a joint Leaders’ Declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI, which reinforces Canada’s approach to AI development and ensures it aligns with human rights, public interest, and environmental protection. The Prime Minister also met with over a dozen CEOs and leading AI business leaders to position Canada as an ideal partner for innovation and investment while helping deepen Canada’s commercial relations with its partners across the U.S. and the European Union (EU).

    While in Paris, the Prime Minister also chaired a roundtable on infrastructure and energy requirements for AI and participated in the closing ceremony of a ministerial meeting of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, of which Canada is a founding member.

    In Brussels, Prime Minister Trudeau took part in a Canada-EU Leaders’ Meeting with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between Canada and the EU and discussed the progress made in recent years for the benefit of people on both sides of the Atlantic. This includes a strengthened trade relationship under the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which continues to create significant opportunities for businesses and good-paying jobs for workers in Canada and the EU. They also discussed the imposition of U.S. tariffs as well as Canada and the EU’s responses.

    At the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building on the Canada-EU relationship and continuing to deliver results on a range of shared priorities. This includes promoting global economic security and stability, strengthening bilateral and global trade and investment – including in response to expected tariffs by the U.S. – defending the rule of law, advancing defence and security co-operation, and supporting Ukraine. They also discussed developments in the Middle East, including in Gaza and Syria, stressing the importance of an inclusive Syrian-led political governance structure.

    While in Brussels, the Prime Minister also met with the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Mark Rutte. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to working with NATO Allies to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security and continue supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression. He also highlighted Canada’s contributions to NATO’s collective defence efforts across Europe, including through Operation REASSURANCE.

    Shared challenges require shared solutions. By working together, we can make the world safer, create good-paying jobs for our peoples, harness the potential of the greatest innovations, and ensure that growth is inclusive. As a leader in AI and a steadfast member of the NATO Alliance, and as part of our G7 Presidency this year, Canada is taking action to create a better, safer, and more prosperous world.

    Quote

    “During my trip to Paris and Brussels, I had one message – if you’re looking for a strong, reliable, and trustworthy partner, Canada is it. We’re advancing progress on AI, strengthening our defence alliances, creating good-paying jobs, and making sure businesses, innovators, and partners choose Canada.”

    Quick Facts

    • This was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 11th official visit to France.
    • Held on February 10 and 11, 2025, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris was the third global summit of its kind. It followed the AI Seoul Summit, which Prime Minister Trudeau attended virtually last year, and the AI Safety Summit that was hosted by the UK in 2023.
    • Entitled “Inclusive and Sustainable AI for People and the Planet”, the AI Action Summit joint Leaders’ Declaration is focused on the inclusive governance of AI that reflects the public interest, human rights, the environment, and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also highlights the need for inclusive dialogue and co-operation on AI governance and alignment with ongoing governance efforts by the UN Global Digital Compact, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the network of safety institutes.
    • Launched in 2020, the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) supports the development and use of AI based on human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation, and economic growth, while seeking to advance the UN SDGs. As a founding member of the GPAI, Canada is working closely with international partners to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly to the benefit of all citizens.
    • Canada was the first country in the world to introduce a national AI strategy. Since 2016, the Government of Canada has announced over $4.4 billion to support AI and digital research infrastructure, including $2.4 billion announced in Budget 2024 to scale-up AI compute infrastructure, support AI adoption programs, and launch an AI Safety Institute.
    • In November 2024, the Government of Canada launched the Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute to bolster Canada’s capacity to address AI safety risks, further positioning the country as a leader in the safe and responsible development and adoption of AI technologies.
    • Last year, Canada and France signed the Canada-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, reiterating our countries’ commitment to the responsible, safe use of AI that respects human rights and democratic values.
    • In 2024, France was Canada’s third-largest merchandise export market in the European Union (EU) and its 10th-largest trading partner globally, with two-way merchandise trade totalling $14.1 billion.
    • During his visit to France, the Prime Minister also met with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
    • This was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s sixth official visit to Belgium.
    • With its 27 Member States, the EU is Canada’s second-largest destination for merchandise exports, after the United States of America. In 2024, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and the EU reached a total of $119 billion.
    • The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed in 2016 and has been provisionally applied since 2017. Since 2016, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the EU has grown by 58 per cent.
    • Canada is a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Alliance is a cornerstone of Canadian security and defence policy and an important platform for Canada’s contributions to international peace and security.

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    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AI Action Summit: Ensuring the development of trusted, safe and secure AI to benefit of all (Paris, 12.02.2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming our society, opening up unprecedented opportunities in many fields. For this technological revolution to benefit everyone, it is crucial to ensure its responsible and ethical development, with trust at its heart. AI raises major concerns regarding safety and security, as clearly demonstrated by the summits in Bletchley Park (United Kingdom – November 2023) and Seoul (South Korea – May 2024). Whether in anticipating extreme risks or addressing those already visible, a resolutely ambitious approach to building trust in AI is essential on an international scale.

    Technological advances in AI also offer exceptional possibilities in the field of security. With this in mind, the AI Action Summit is committed to promoting safe and secure AI, particularly by providing the necessary tools to mitigate these risks.

    For AI to fulfill its promises, a collaborative approach is essential. The AI Action Summit calls on public, private, and academic stakeholders to work together to build a trusted AI ecosystem.

    This global approach is based on three pillars: science, solutions, and standards. With a robust international scientific consensus on AI, the time has come to develop technical solutions that are open and accessible to all, while creating common international standards recognized by the entire ecosystem. This will help prevent fragmentation and encourage convergence at all levels.

    As part of the AI Action Summit, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security have supported the action of the thematic envoy, Guillaume Poupard, to federate an ecosystem of stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, mobilised to strengthen the safety and security of AI.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: 90th INTERPOL General Assembly

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    18-21 October 2022, New Delhi, India

    The General Assembly is INTERPOL’s supreme governing body and comprises delegates appointed by the governments of our member countries.

    It meets once a year and takes all the major decisions affecting general policy, the resources needed for international cooperation, working methods, finances and programmes of activities. These decisions are in the form of resolutions.

    INTERPOL unveils first ever Metaverse designed for law enforcement at General Assembly.

    INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the opening of the 90th General Assembly.

    90th General Assembly.

    Police officers at 90th General Assembly.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock with members of the Executive Committee (2021/2022).

    Opening of the 90th General Assembly.

    Secretary General Jürgen Stock reading INTERPOL’s 2022 Global Crime Trend Report.

    90th General Assembly.

    This year, the General Assembly will meet for its 90th session in New Delhi, India. The agenda is expected to include presentations, workshops and discussions on the following subjects:

    The future of policing

    With our member countries, we are exploring diverse perspectives on the future of policing in an increasingly digitalized world. What are the challenges, how can we respond to threats posed by technology and how should we shape our vision for 2030?

    Policing today’s crimes

    Different panels will look at topical policing initiatives. This will include:

    INTERPOL’s Global Crime Trends Report

    This document provides member countries with an overview of the main crime threats in the world.

    Executive Committee Elections

    The General Assembly elects new members to the Executive Committee as the incumbents end their mandate. This year, two posts are up for election: the vice-president for Europe, and the delegate for Africa.

    INTERPOL’s Centenary

    In 2023, INTERPOL will celebrate 100 years since the founding of the International Criminal Police Commission, which then became INTERPOL in 1956. A series of activities are planned to raise awareness of the role of international policing; past, present and future.

    Police have been gathering to discuss international policing for 100 years – pictured here are delegates at the 2nd session of the General Assembly held in Berlin, Germany in 1924.

    Partnerships

    This panel will discuss how multi-stakeholder strategic partnerships can support law enforcement across the world to face the challenges in global security.

    Diversity

    INTERPOL is committed to increasing the geographical and gender diversity of its workforce so it can better reflect and serve its global membership.

    Workshops

    Different workshops will look at technology, innovation and global financial crime, giving participants the chance to share ideas in smaller groups.

    Host country: India

    We thank India and the officials from New Delhi for hosting this year’s General Assembly and welcoming our delegates from member countries. We recognize the time and effort it takes to put on an event of this scale.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters and Young Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Extend Federal Funding and Protections for the Great Lakes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Todd Young (R-IN) are leading bipartisan legislation to extend federal funding and protections for the Great Lakes. The senators introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) through 2031 and increase the program’s annual authorized funding levels from $475 million to $500 million. The GLRI is the most significant investment ever made to restore and protect the Great Lakes. The GLRI combines federal and nonfederal efforts to stop the spread of carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and habitats connecting streams and rivers, clean up environmentally damaged Areas of Concern, and prevent future contamination. While providing vital support for these efforts, the GLRI also helps ensure we can address new and emerging threats to the Great Lakes.  

    “The Great Lakes are a national treasure and central to our economy, environment, and way of life in Michigan. Since its creation, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has made significant headway in cleaning up Areas of Concern, protecting vital habitats, and restoring coastlines around the Great Lakes Basin,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation will provide GLRI with the resources needed to build on that success and help protect and preserve the Great Lakes for future generations of Michiganders. I’m proud to again help lead the charge to strengthen this essential program.” 

    “The Great Lakes are an important part of Indiana’s ecosystem and economy,” said Senator Young. “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a results-driven program that addresses the most serious issues threatening the wellbeing of the Great Lakes basin, including toxic substances, pollution, debris, and invasive species. Reauthorizing this program will continue to protect and preserve these lakes for generations to come.”   

    The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jon Husted (R-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Fetterman (D-PA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

    Since its inception, the GLRI has spurred tremendous progress throughout the Great Lakes region including nearly half of a million acres of habitat protected, restored, or enhanced, a five-fold increase in the successful cleanup and delisting of Areas of Concern, a ten-fold increase in the remediation of environmental and public health impairments, and reducing the threat of harmful algal blooms. The GLRI’s efforts have also resulted in economic returns of more than 3 to 1 across the region. 

    “The simple fact is the GLRI funds critical projects that make life better for the millions of Americans that depend on the Great Lakes. It also delivers a positive economic return on the government’s investment in cleaner water and healthier communities. Senator Peters and Senator Young along with other Great Lakes senators have our gratitude for introducing this important bill,” said Joel Brammeier, Alliance for the Great Lakes President and CEO. 

    “The GLRI is a landmark program that is making significant progress in restoring the waters, ecosystems, economies, and communities that make up the Great Lakes region,” said Erika Jensen, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Commission. “The Great Lakes Commission applauds Senators Peters and Young for introducing this important legislation, which will safeguard the economic and environmental health of the Great Lakes region for generations to come.” 

    “This bill is a winner for millions of people in the region,” said Laura Rubin, Director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “We thank Sens. Gary Peters and Todd Young for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to tackle the serious threats to our region’s drinking water, public health, jobs, and quality of life. Federal investments to restore the Great Lakes have been producing results, but serious threats remain. We look forward to working with the Great Lakes congressional delegation to pass this bipartisan bill that supports common sense solutions. If we scale back investments now, the problems will only get worse and more expensive to solve.” 

    “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative provides critical investments in the health of the Great Lakes and the communities and businesses that rely on clean water. Communities across the region realize the lasting benefits of clean and healthy lakes, which attract visitors, create jobs, and sustain the Great Lakes way of life,” said Peter Laing, Great Lakes Business Network Co-Chair.  

    The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 enjoys broad support from Great Lakes advocates, including the Council of Great Lakes Governors, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, American Great Lakes Ports Association, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, American Sportfishing Association, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, National Audubon Society – Great Lakes, Environmental Law & Policy Center, MI League of Conservation Voters, Save the Dunes, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Clean Wisconsin, Ohio Environmental Council, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and Minnesota Environmental Partnership.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK leads major Ukraine Summit and announces £150 million firepower package

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Defence leaders from across the world have gathered in Brussels today as the UK convenes a major Ukraine summit at NATO HQ.

    • UK convenes the 26th Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels today – the first time the meeting has been chaired by a European nation – supporting UK and European security, a foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change. 

    • Defence Secretary confirms landmark half a million rounds of artillery ammunition – worth more than £1 billion – has now been provided to Ukraine by the UK 

    • New £150 million firepower package of military aid including drones, tanks and air defence systems will give Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russia the equipment they need.  

    Defence leaders from across the world have gathered in Brussels today as the UK convenes a major Ukraine summit at NATO HQ, demonstrating the UK’s leadership and unwavering military support for Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s illegal invasion.  

    Over 50 allies and partners, including Ukraine, the US, Japan and Australia, met for the 26th Ukraine Defence Contact Group, chaired by Defence Secretary John Healey, the first time for any European nation. 

    Opening the meeting, the Defence Secretary announced a new £150m military support package to support Ukrainian troops fighting Russia on the frontline, part of the UK’s unprecedented £3 billion annual pledge to Ukraine. 

    This year, the UK’s total commitment has reached its highest ever level, standing at £4.5 billion, ensuring Ukraine can achieve peace through strength and underscoring the new 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine. 

    Chairing the meeting, Defence Secretary John Healey said:   

    2025 is the critical year for the war in Ukraine. Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage – military and civilians alike, and their bravery – fused with our support – has proved a lethal combination. 

    Speaking as a European Defence Minister, we know our responsibilities. We are doing more of the heavy lifting and sharing more of the burden. 

    While Russia is weakened, it remains undeniably dangerous.  We must step up further – and secure peace through strength – together.

    Speaking at today’s meeting, where he was joined by Ukrainian Defence Minster Rustem Umerov, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius,  French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Defence Secretary Healey confirmed that the UK has sent a landmark 500,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, worth over £1 billion.  

    The Defence Secretary also confirmed that the UK is on track to provide more than 10,000 drones to Ukraine in a single year, with final deliveries due next month.  

    Today’s £150 million package includes thousands of drones, dozens of battle tanks and armoured vehicles and air defence systems.   

    More than 50 armoured and protective vehicles, including modernised T-72 tanks will be deployed to Ukraine by the end of spring, building on the thousands of pieces of equipment the UK has already given to Ukraine.   

    The air defence equipment will support more than 100 Ukrainian air defence teams, and has a 90% success rate of shooting down kamikaze drones, protecting Ukrainian critical national infrastructure including electricity sites frequently targeted by Russia. Announced by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Kyiv last month, the UK and Denmark are also providing fifteen Gravehawks to Ukraine.  

    Today’s package also includes major new maintenance contracts to support in-country repairs to critical kit – helping keep Ukraine’s tanks and artillery in the fight and bringing broken equipment back into use.  

    The Government is clear that the security of the UK starts in Ukraine and is therefore committed to Ukraine’s long-term security as a foundation for the government’s Plan for Change.  

    As part of today’s announcement, thousands of pieces of military equipment the UK has already donated to Ukraine will be repaired and better maintained through contracts worth around £60 million.  

    In a boost the UK’s economy, this includes a multi-million-pound contract with UK defence firm Babcock, who will train Ukrainian personnel to maintain and repair crucial equipment such as Challenger 2 tanks, self-propelled artillery, and combat reconnaissance vehicles inside Ukraine. Through this agreement, equipment can be serviced and returned to the front line quicker.  

    UK defence giant BAE Systems has also been awarded a £14 million contract, funded by Sweden and procured through the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine, to repair Archer artillery systems. Working with Lancashire-based firm AMS, repairs of the Swedish-gifted Archer systems will be carried out in Ukraine with Ukrainian soldiers given technical training so they can maintain equipment for years to come.  

    Today’s announcement comes ahead of tomorrow’s NATO Defence Ministerial meeting, where Defence Secretary Healey will set out that in this critical year, nations must step up and back Ukraine with the resources they need to achieve long-term peace in the face of Russian aggression.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 12 February 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    • UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
    • Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine
    • Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
    • Find out about the UK’s response

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Trade Crypto with 100x Leverage on BexBack – Enjoy Double Deposit Bonus & $50 Welcome Gift – NO KYC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the price of bitcoin once again trading below $100,000, many analysts believe it will enter a long period of high volatility. Holding spot positions may not continue to generate profits in the short term. BexBack Exchange is stepping up its efforts to provide traders with irresistible preferential packages. The platform now offers a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and a 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, creating unparalleled opportunities for investors.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

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    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c949916-63ec-49bf-8315-2789892a6ac5

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de06fad7-8bb9-464d-9bd2-fd5692f22049

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d5c4ef7-2abb-4af2-a0f4-023c8b06d4e2

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a4b88d21-dc6d-4073-b660-40c80c60cdbd

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Unveiled: 2024 ICC Arbitration and ADR preliminary statistics

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Unveiled: 2024 ICC Arbitration and ADR preliminary statistics

    Alexander G. Fessas, Secretary General of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and Director of ICC Dispute Resolution Services, said:

    “The preliminary figures highlight once more the confidence companies and states place in ICC as their preferred institution for resolving disputes. Staying close to the needs of ICC Arbitration and ADR users worldwide, we remain committed to delivering fair, efficient and transparent services that meet the evolving needs of domestic and international commerce”.

    Caseload

    In 2024, the number of new cases remained strong, with 831 cases filed under the ICC Arbitration Rules (of which 17 began with Emergency Arbitrator applications) and 10 cases under the ICC Appointing Authority Rules. This is similar to the average caseload of the last five years. In October, ICC reached a milestone when it registered its 29,000th case under the ICC Arbitration Rules. In total 1,789 cases were pending at the end of 2024.

    Expedited procedure

    In 2024, 152 new cases were administered under the Expedited Procedure Provisions (‘EPP’). The ICC Court has administered a total of 865 cases under the EPP since the procedure was established in 2017.

    Parties

    A total of 2,392 parties participated in ICC arbitrations in 2024, of which 1,100 were claimants and 1,292 were respondents. Parties originated from 136 jurisdictions, with an increased presence compared to 2023 in North and West Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South and East Asia, and the Pacific.

    For new cases, the top 10 countries from which parties originated were the United States (167 parties) followed by Brazil (156), Spain (137), Mexico (106), Italy (101), the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong SAR (98), Germany (85), Türkiye (80), and France and the United Arab Emirates (73 parties each).

    A total of 45 states and 143 state-owned entities were involved in 159 cases filed during the year, accounting for 19% of new cases.

    Place of arbitration

    ICC arbitral tribunals were seated in 107 cities across 62 countries or independent territories on all continents. The top 10 jurisdictions were the United Kingdom (96 cases), France (91), Switzerland (83), the United States (72), the United Arab Emirates (38), Spain (33), Brazil and Mexico (30 each), Singapore (28), and Germany (20).

    Amounts in dispute

    Amounts in dispute in new cases varied significantly, ranging from just below US$10,000 to US$53 billion. The aggregate amount in dispute for new cases reached US$103 billion, with an average of US$130 million and a median of approximately US$5 million.

    With a total of US$354 billion, the aggregate amount in dispute for pending cases sets an all-time record. The corresponding average and median amounts were US$211 million and US$14 million, respectively.

    Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, said:

    “The 2024 statistics underscore the ICC Court’s role as the leading arbitral institution. With so many parties from jurisdictions around the world and a record value of pending cases, it is clear that arbitration remains a vital tool for resolving domestic and cross-border disputes. As we move forward, we continue to prioritise accessibility, efficiency and innovation, ensuring that ICC remains a trusted and effective solution for businesses and States worldwide”.

    ICC International Centre for ADR

    A total of 61 requests were filed with the ICC ADR Centre in 2024: 37 under ICC Mediation Rules, 20 under the Expert Rules, three under DOCDEX Rules and one under the Dispute Board Rules.

    The full 2024 ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics report will be released later this year. ICC DRS statistical reports since 1997 are available on the ICC Dispute Resolution Library (jusmundi.com).

    Information presented herewith is subject to verification prior to publication in the complete 2024 annual statistical report.

    Related news

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Repatriation to Indigenous groups is more than law, it’s human rights − an archaeologist describes the day that lesson hit home

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christopher Wolff, Associate Professor of Anthropology, University at Albany, State University of New York

    Leola One Feather of the Oglala Sioux Tribe observes as Native American artifacts are photographed at the Founders Museum in Barre, Mass., in 2022, before their return. AP Photo/Philip Marcelo

    As an archaeologist, you picture yourself traveling to some remote location, digging into the ground, and returning to a lab in a university or museum to study the remains of past civilizations, with hopes of answering important questions.

    In contrast, I’ve often found myself working to return those remains to their rightful cultures. Repatriation is the process of returning ancestral human remains and important objects to descendant populations. Since the passing of the National Museum of the American Indian Act in 1989 and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act in 1990, it has become an increasingly important part of archaeological practice, yet about 110,000 ancestors remain in collections.

    This work is about more than legal obligations. To many researchers such as myself, it is a matter of human rights.

    When first enacted, these laws were controversial among archaeologists. Much of this anxiety stemmed from worries about losing access to research opportunities. Some concerns were shaped by legal battles surrounding the remains of “Kennewick Man,” whom Indigenous people refer to as the “Ancient One.” This man’s remains were found in Washington state in 1996 and dated to over 8,000 years ago. Scientists won the legal right to study them, in opposition to local tribal nations’ requests, until a 2016 law returned the remains of the individual to those groups.

    Over time, many archaeologists have seen that while repatriation requirements limit research in some ways, in others they have been beneficial and improved aspects of archaeologists’ relationships with Indigenous communities.

    More importantly, repatriation laws have served as a partial remedy for the historical trauma of those peoples.

    This is not an idea I was exposed to as a graduate student. Like many others in my field, I had virtually no exposure to the actual process of repatriation, even more than a decade after the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, called NAGPRA, was signed into law. Rather, it is one that developed while I served as a repatriation archaeologist for the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History from 2009-2011, and in the following years as a professor of archaeology.

    Dancers from the Haida Tribe perform at the Field Museum in Chicago in 2003, celebrating the return of Haida human remains to their descendants.
    AP Photo/M. Spencer Green

    Careful process

    Repatriation includes important steps that are required by law, as well as other ethical considerations. First, any human remains or objects that fall within certain categories – such as sacred objects, or funerary objects – should be stored where they can be properly cared for with respect. For instance, Indigenous groups may ask that tobacco be placed with the remains, as an offering to their ancestors’ spirits.

    Researchers must compile information about these human remains into an itemized list containing the number of individuals and objects, brief descriptions of them, where they were found, and how they came into the institution’s possession. This list is then provided to representatives of communities that may be descendants, or possible living relatives.

    If those communities decide to request the remains’ return, then the formal process of assessing “cultural affiliation” begins. This is a thorough analysis of any evidence demonstrating a connection between the remains or objects and a particular group today. Evidence can include many things, including physical characteristics of the human remains or objects, written documents, oral history, or distinct cultural attributes of the artifacts.

    Legally, this process is required only for federally recognized Indigenous groups. However, institutions can choose to apply the same consideration to other communities if they believe it is appropriate, such as the hundreds of Indigenous groups that lack federal recognition.

    The analysis is officially submitted to the national NAGPRA database, and a public notice is posted so that other interested parties could potentially make a claim on the remains or objects.

    If researchers confirm there is a cultural affiliation, after a 90-day waiting period an official repatriation statement is filed with the national office. Researchers then consult with the requesting parties about how to conduct the physical return. What happens next is in the hands of the affiliated groups, and their wishes must be accommodated.

    Kurt Riley, then the governor of the Pueblo of Acoma, speaks at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in 2016, protesting a French auction house’s plans to sell Indigenous artifacts.
    AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

    Unfortunately, many remains have already suffered significant damage by the time repatriation begins. A great many of them have sat on shelves unstudied, sometimes for decades or longer – even those that came into the collection legally and in collaboration with Indigenous groups.

    Powerful moment

    One such individual was the key to a major shift in how I viewed repatriation – no longer as a research hindrance but as a question of human rights. Out of respect for the Indigenous nation, I cannot discuss specifics – only a broader picture of this “aha” moment.

    One day at work, I found myself looking at an individual who had died several centuries ago, but was so well preserved that his death looked much more recent. It can be too easy to look at a collection of human bones and forget that they were once a living person, despite trying to teach students otherwise. However, that day I looked down and clearly saw a man: his face painted, his hair neatly done, earrings in his ears, laid out in a beautiful box.

    Obviously, whoever tended to him after his death had taken great care, placing him in a sacred place where he had every expectation that he would be left undisturbed. He could not have perceived that centuries later someone would collect his remains and ship him away from his traditional lands to be studied in a museum.

    That hit home for me. I would not want someone to go against my final wishes, or those of my family, and felt this man should have the same human rights I have in that regard.

    I regret it took me so long to see that. Ever since, I’ve worked hard to make up for that by teaching my students to see the past full of people with expectations, hopes and emotions, and to extend ethical obligations to them as we would want applied to us. Archaeology is about learning from the past, and working in repatriation and meeting this individual provided me with one of the best lessons of my career.

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

    – ref. Repatriation to Indigenous groups is more than law, it’s human rights − an archaeologist describes the day that lesson hit home – https://theconversation.com/repatriation-to-indigenous-groups-is-more-than-law-its-human-rights-an-archaeologist-describes-the-day-that-lesson-hit-home-247763

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Will the Gaza ceasefire hold? Where does Trump’s takeover proposal stand? Expert Q&A

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin

    As the deadline approaches for the end of phase one of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, the likelihood of the agreement making it to the scheduled second phase on March 1 look increasingly remote. Middle East expert, Scott Lucas, addresses the key questions.

    What are the chances of the ceasefire holding into phase two?

    Even before Donald Trump’s proposal for the clearing and redevelopment – what would amount to the ethnic cleansing – of Gaza, an agreement to move from phase one to phase two at the start of March was an increasingly remote possibility.

    We almost did not have a first phase. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had held out against a deal for months, and he was under pressure from two hard-right ministers – finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir – not to proceed.

    In the end, Netanyahu acceded because of families seeking the return of their relatives held hostage by Hamas, and because of an approach by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.

    Smotrich stayed in the cabinet while Ben-Gvir left but his party said it would continue support for the government. However, both demanded that there be no second phase. They called instead military action to eradicate Hamas and the resettlement of the population of GAza – voluntary or otherwise.

    In the next phase, the Israeli military is supposed to withdraw fully from Gaza while Palestinian governance is restored in the Strip. Israel and the US will demand that Hamas will leave power – indeed, the Israelis may call for Hamas leaders to leave the territory – and Hamas will refuse to do so.

    Trump’s demand for an end of “occupation” of Gaza, not by the Israelis but by Gazans, confirmed the demise of the process. There is no chance that Hamas negotiators will agree to a “solution” in which most if not all residents are evicted.

    That is why Trump, using the pretext of Hamas obstruction of phase one, stopped portraying himself as a “peacemaker” on Monday. Instead, he proclaimed: “All bets are off and let hell break out” — in effect, returning to a blank cheque for Israel’s military action, blockade of humanitarian aid, and mass killing across Gaza.

    Is Donald Trump serious about redeveloping Gaza?

    Many media outlets have been negligent in excusing Trump’s statements by saying alternatively that he is not serious or that he is “thinking outside the box” with his egregious statements.

    Trump’s proposal for “development” of Gaza, clearing out the population, was not just a thought bubble. In his first term, he repeatedly spoke of North Korea’s “great beaches” and “waterfront property” as a prime location for condos and hotels. In March 2024, his son-in-law Jared Kushner turned to the Middle East, saying: “Gaza’s waterfront property could be very valuable… From Israel’s perspective I would do my best to move the people out and then clean it up.”

    Last summer, the Trump team asked Joseph Pelzman, a professor of economic and international affairs at George Washington University to propose a plan for the Strip. He summarised: “You have to destroy the whole place, you have to restart from scratch … It requires that the place be completely emptied out. I mean, literally emptied out.”

    Within a week of returning to the White House on January 20, Trump was telling reporters that Gaza’s civilians should be removed from the “demolition site”. Just over a week later, alongside Netanyahu, he expanded on the declaration – reportedly in a statement written by Kushner.

    What about international law?

    Trump’s proposal is a clear violation of international law. The Geneva conventions stipulate that civilians should not be transferred outside of their territory unless it is “impossible” to do otherwise.

    UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric told reporters: “Any forced displacement of people is tantamount to ethnic cleansing.”

    But, the Trump administration does not appear to care about international law. Two days after his appearance with Netanyahu, Trump signed an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court.

    Indeed, the administration does not believe it should face any legal oversight in the US. As Trump and Elon Musk attempt to destroy US agencies, with mass firings and seizure of records that may be unconstitutional and illegal, the US vice-president, J.D. Vance, maintains: “Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.” Trump, demanding the impeachment of a judge who ruled against the unauthorised access to records, said: “No judge should, frankly, be allowed to make that kind of a decision.”

    Does the US have sufficient support to do this?

    Absolutely not, especially if Trump tries to fulfil his declaration that the US should “own” Gaza. Apart from Israel, no country has given support to Trump’s proposal. And most Americans, even Trump backers, would be loath to have “ownership” which required intervention by US troops.

    As for the countries Trump wants to send Palestinians to, they are vehement in their opposition. Within hours of Trump’s February 4 statement, he got a firm rebuttal from Saudi Arabia. Riyadh cited “the Kingdom’s firm and supportive positions on the rights of the Palestinian people” and reinforced its recent shift to “firm and unwavering” support of a Palestinian state.

    The foreign ministry emphasised that this was the position of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and noted his phone call with King Abdullah of Jordan as a sign of solidarity.

    After Netanyahu said the Saudis “have plenty of territory” for a Palestinian state, Riyadh denounced the “extremist, occupying mentality” that seeks to expel Palestinians from Gaza.

    Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty told US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Monday in Washington that Arab states rejected Trump’s pitch. Abdelatty stressed the importance of Gaza’s reconstruction while Palestinians remained there.

    And, on the eve of King Abdullah’s visit to Washington, Jordan expressed its “rejection of any attempts to annex land and displace the Palestinians”.

    How do you see this developing in the foreseeable future?

    Trump and the Israelis will now shift attention to Hamas as an existential threat who cannot be treated as a partner in a phase two ceasefire.

    Phase one is due to expire on March 1. I predict that Israel will return to its open-ended war across Gaza, probably sooner than that.

    And Trump, who only recently presented himself as a “peacemaker”, will give unconditional backing – while bemoaning that Gazans, up to 90% of them displaced from their homes, still won’t leave the Strip.

    Scott Lucas 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. Will the Gaza ceasefire hold? Where does Trump’s takeover proposal stand? Expert Q&A – https://theconversation.com/will-the-gaza-ceasefire-hold-where-does-trumps-takeover-proposal-stand-expert-qanda-249751

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: From chain-smoking to binge-drinking, Bridget Jones’s habits would have been terrible for her health

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol

    She chain-smoked her way through romance and heart-break and binge-drank Chardonnay until it went out of fashion (and then came back in again) – and now Bridget Jones is back.

    Mad about the Boy is the fourth and final film in the Bridget Jones series. It’s almost 30 years since Helen Fielding hit the bestseller lists with the accident-prone, self-deprecating eponymous heroine of Bridget Jones’s Diary. Tales of “emotional f-ckwits” and “really bloody enormous pants” resonated with readers and the film adaptations cemented Bridget Jones’s status as a well-loved character.

    Fans of the original Bridget Jones’s Diary will remember her daily log of statistics. Many will have read the entries, listing calories, cigarettes and alcohol units consumed, with a nod of recognition. The alcohol-free diet that’s started with fierce determination one day descends into hungover calorific chaos the next. But is Bridget’s lifestyle as loveable in real life as it is on the page and screen?

    Thanks to the handy summary about calorie intake, cigarette count and alcohol units at the end of the original diary, I’ve been able to take a closer look at what her lifestyle might mean in reality. On paper – and on screen – her lifestyle might look like the kind of smoking, drinking, break-up binge eating (and the occasional magic mushroom in Thailand) to which lots of readers and viewers can relate.

    But even the book recognises that Bridget’s lifestyle isn’t sustainable, as it includes a warning and disclaimer. And, the relentless focus on weight and calorie consumption might be a reflection of the social pressure women face, but it’s also been criticised for its potential danger to some of its audience.

    Smoking

    In the original diary, Bridget’s cigarette count for the year is 5,277: around 14-15 a day. In clinical practice, we often standardise this in numbers of “pack-years” of smoking. One pack equals 20 cigarettes, so if you smoke 20 a day for one year, that makes one pack-year. In the case of Bridget, this makes approximately 0.75 pack-years.

    You might think that figure doesn’t seem very high – but add the count from the following year in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, plus of all the years before it, and the pack-years start adding up and are more like five, seven, even ten.

    The higher the number of pack-years exposure, the greater the risk of developing an associated disease or complication. For many years, a critical level of ten pack-years or more was associated with significant risk of developing a lung condition called COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which ranges in severity and can lead to distressing symptoms including persistent coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

    But patients with a history of less than ten pack-years exposure may also be at significant risk, which is why some argue this critical level should be lowered.

    What kind of health issues could Bridget face after smoking so much for so long? Smoking is notorious for causing cancer, including lung, bladder, kidney and stomach cancers. Smoking also negatively affects cardiovascular health and fertility and causes gum disease and a variety of other health issues – the list is long.

    In Mad About the Boy, Bridget has kicked the habit, and uses nicotine-replacement therapy to reduce cravings.

    Calories

    Bridget logged her daily calorie count, but she was perhaps not a reliable narrator. Over the course of the year, she calculated that she’d consumed over 11 million calories. “Repulsive,” she states – and also highly unlikely. This total would equate to over 30,000 calories a day, approximately six to ten times more than most competing bodybuilders would consume.

    By the end of Bridget Jones’s Diary, she had gained 5st 2lbs and lost 5st 3lbs, resulting in a net loss of a pound. So broadly speaking what went in, must have matched what energy was consumed. Her starting weight for the year is 9st 3lbs, and taking (for argument’s sake) Renée Zellweger’s 5f 4ins height that gives a body mass index (BMI) of 22.1 – right in the middle of the “normal” BMI range of 18.5 to 25.

    Bridget, as many have pointed out over the years, is certainly not overweight.

    Bridget’s daily weigh-in on the bathroom scale routine may have fed her preoccupation with minor fluctuations. Weight isn’t just a measure of fat, it’s also the body’s water and waste. Measuring weight less frequently is a more effective way to gauge the overall trend of whether weight is going up or down. ## Alcohol

    “I WILL NOT drink more than 14 alcohol units a week,” Bridget writes in the opening of the original diary.

    However, despite 114 hangover-free days, Bridget ends up with annual alcohol consumption of 3,836 units – that’s a weekly intake of around 74 units – much more than the maximum of 14 units recommended for both men and women.



    Read more:
    The hangover in literature, from Shakespeare and Burns to Bridget Jones

    Bridget recognises that she drinks too much and, as seen in her new year’s resolutions, often intends to cut back. In clinical practice, we use the Cage questions to help evaluate whether a patient has issues with alcohol. We might ask, for example, whether the person is annoyed by criticism of their drinking or feels guilty about it? Do they use alcohol as an “eye-opener” in the morning?

    So while Bridget Jones may prove as endearing as ever to audiences this year – and her love life just as chaotic – it’s probably for the best that her lifestyle seems a bit healthier this time around. It would have been awful to have her story end with untimely death by Chardonnay.

    Dan Baumgardt 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. From chain-smoking to binge-drinking, Bridget Jones’s habits would have been terrible for her health – https://theconversation.com/from-chain-smoking-to-binge-drinking-bridget-joness-habits-would-have-been-terrible-for-her-health-249395

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Real Madrid Foundation and HP join forces to empower communities with digital skills and sport for good initiatives

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MADRID, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, The Real Madrid Foundation announced a strategic collaboration with HP Inc. to promote digital skills and sports for disconnected communities during a joint signing ceremony at Ciudad Real Madrid. This collaboration will harness the unique capabilities of both organizations to leverage the ways in which technology as well as sport for good can empower individuals and prepare them for the future of work. The multi-year partnership is a component of the global technology sponsorship agreement announced with Real Madrid C. F. in February 2024. This collaboration will showcase how technology, sports values, and education can work together to generate positive and lasting change in the world.

    “These projects exemplify the global impact of this alliance, which will seek to empower vulnerable communities through access to sports and technological education, strengthening both individuals and their communities with essential values such as effort, overcoming challenges, and teamwork.” said Alvaro Arbeloa, the Real Madrid ambassador and coach of the Juvenil A youth team. “By bringing its technology expertise to our two existing projects in Spain and Indonesia, HP will be helping the local NGOs to enhance their support to their communities by providing access to future-critical skills.”

    HP will provide technology and digital solutions to the Real Madrid Foundation’s socio-sports programs in Spain and Indonesia, including the HP Foundation’s free business skills platform, HP LIFE.

    Initially, HP will support the following programs:

    • Spain, Red Cross, Madrid: The sports-based program for homeless people of the Real Madrid Foundation that takes place in the Temporary Care Center (CAT) of San Blas, managed by the Red Cross in agreement with the Madrid City supports unemployed and immigrant individuals facing social exclusion. Real Madrid Foundation focuses particularly on improving the psychological well-being of the participants through regular sports practice, utilizing its unique methodology. HP will provide access to hardware, digital literacy, and skills curriculum via HP LIFE.
    • Indonesia, Harapan Project: The Harapan Project aims to improve education for learners aged from 9 to 17-years-old, based in nine villages in the Hu’u district, Sumbawa, Indonesia. Real Madrid Foundation provides support via its Social Sports School program designed to improve their health through the practice of sport and foster values such as respect, autonomy, equality, self-esteem, health, motivation, and teamwork. Thanks to HP’s support, learners will be able to access technology via HP’s cutting-edge PCs and solutions for education and digital skills content developed in collaboration with Girl Rising, an HP partner supporting students and teachers with inclusive curriculum and innovative technology solutions.

    “This partnership is a beautiful example of the power of teamwork, and what it means to be stronger, together. We are honored to partner with Real Madrid Foundation and support these deeply impactful initiatives,” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc., and Executive Director, HP Foundation. “At HP, we are dedicated to closing the digital divide for adolescents and adults so they can have the critical skills needed to participate and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.”

    About Real Madrid Foundation

    The Real Madrid Foundation, established in 1997, is the entity through which Real Madrid C.F. channels its social commitment, representing The Soul of the Club. Its mission is to promote the values of sport as an educational and social inclusion tool, fostering the comprehensive development of children and young people while preserving the club’s historical heritage.
    With the vision of becoming a universal benchmark in using sport for integration, the Foundation operates in more than 100 countries across five continents, guided by values such as self-esteem, autonomy, teamwork, equality, motivation, respect, and health.
    For more information, visit: https://www.realmadrid.com/es-ES/fundacion

    About HP
    HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.hp.com.

    HP Inc. Media Relations
    MediaRelations@hp.com 

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: In spite of anti-DEI pressures, top corporations continued to diversify in 2024: new research

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Richie Zweigenhaft, Professor of Psychology, Emeritus, Guilford College

    Despite the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision banning affirmative action in college admissions, and mounting pressure on corporations to eliminate their diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the top 50 Fortune 500 companies continued to diversify their boards in 2024.

    As a social psychologist, I’ve been tracking diversity on Fortune-level boards of directors for decades. And as I reported in The Conversation last year, 2023 marked the first time that fewer than half of the directors of top 50 Fortune 500 companies were white men. At the same time, increasing numbers of white women and Black, Asian and Hispanic people of all genders held board seats.

    Looking at data from mid-December 2024, I found that the top 50 companies’ boards continued to become more diverse. However, as political and legal challenges to DEI intensify, future trends remain unclear.

    Back and forth on DEI

    After the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, many Fortune 1000 companies pledged to make new commitments to racial equity and implemented DEI programs to track and improve diversity. But in 2023 – presumably encouraged by the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision – anti-DEI activists ramped up the pressure on corporations to roll back these initiatives. In response, many big companies reduced or eliminated their diversity commitments.

    But the DEI backlash didn’t show up in the 2024 data on corporate board membership.

    Diversity on boards increased dramatically from 2011 to 2023, and the trend generally continued into 2024, with the number of seats held by Hispanic and Black people and white women all rising despite a slight dip in the number of seats held by Asian people. As a result, the share of seats held by white men fell from 49.7% to 48.4%, while the share held by everyone else rose from 50.3% to 51.6%.

    Examining the data on Black, Hispanic and Asian board members by gender reveals some intriguing differences, though some variations may be due to small sample sizes. For the top 50 companies, the number of seats held by Black women rose by five, while the number of seats held by Black men fell by two. In contrast, two more seats were held by Asian men in 2024 than in 2023, but the number of seats held by Asian women dropped by three. The number of seats held by Latinos and Latinas also increased, by four and two, respectively.

    So why did board-level diversity increase despite the DEI backlash? It could be because boards of directors change slowly. Most of the top 50 boards on the Fortune 500 list make no changes in a given year, and those that do typically replace only one or two people. In some cases, boards expand by adding new members without removing old ones, which can be a quick and easy way to increase diversity. As a result, the number of seats on the top 50 boards increased from 574 in 2023 to 593 as of mid-December 2024.

    There are other indications that these boards are becoming more diverse than they were in the not-so-distant past. In 2023, four companies either had an equal number of men and women on their boards or more women than men. In 2024, that number had increased to seven.

    Increasingly diverse chief executives

    The number of CEOs of the top 50 companies who weren’t white men also rose, from 14 to 15. For most of 2024 the number was 16, but in October the board at CVS asked Karen Lynch, a white woman, to step down, and replaced her with a white man. At the end of 2024, the top 50 Fortune companies included seven white women, three Asian men, three Latinos, one Black male, and one Latina as CEOs.

    Moreover, 12 of the top 50 CEOs, or 24%, were born outside the U.S., an indication that the country’s corporate elite is becoming more globally diverse than in the past.

    Just as many of the CEOs of the top Fortune 500 companies were born and raised in other countries, so, too, were many of the Black, Hispanic, Asian and white female directors. In fact, almost all of the Asian chief executives were born outside the U.S., as well as most of the Hispanic CEOS. If corporate boards continue to grow in diversity – or even stay at the same level – they’ll probably draw heavily on men and women born and educated outside the country’s borders.

    The data shows a slight uptick in diversity for the boards of the top 50 companies on the Fortune 500 list from 2023 to 2024. But after his inauguration, Donald Trump immediately took on diversity efforts both in the federal government and the corporate world. As a print headline in The New York Times noted, “Trump’s Attack on DEI Stirs Fear at Corporations.”

    The future of board diversity under Trump

    In the weeks before Trump’s second inauguration, McDonald’s announced that it was retiring several leadership diversity goals, and Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta was terminating its DEI programs. On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order terminating all DEI programs across the federal government and requiring the government to look at private sector DEI initiatives. Not long afterward, Google announced that it, too, was retreating from its DEI initiatives, making it clear that it was doing so because of Trump’s executive orders.

    But a few of the top 50 companies, including Costco, Apple, Microsoft and JP Morgan, took public stands claiming that they were planning to continue their DEI policies. Costco’s stance drew special attention because, as The New York Times put it, the board’s views were “particularly forceful.” Within a week or so, 19 Republican state attorneys general called on the company to end the policies.

    There is concern that the attacks on DEI will decrease diversity in the pipeline that leads to the executive suites of American corporations, and that this in turn will lead to less diversity in boardrooms. As Fortune’s Lily Mae Lazarus put it in late January, “The precedent set by the Trump administration could undo decades of progress that have allowed women and people of color to rise to the C-suite and boardroom.”

    Whether the many attacks on DEI – first from right-wing bloggers, then from the Supreme Court, and then from the president – will affect the makeup of Fortune-level boards in 2025 and beyond remains to be seen.

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

    – ref. In spite of anti-DEI pressures, top corporations continued to diversify in 2024: new research – https://theconversation.com/in-spite-of-anti-dei-pressures-top-corporations-continued-to-diversify-in-2024-new-research-248743

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Address science misinformation not by repeating the facts, but by building conversation and community

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Anne Toomey, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Science, Pace University

    Using communication strategies that tap into people’s social networks can help agencies combat misinformation. arthobbit/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Misinformation about scientific topics, including falsehoods such as vaccines cause autism and climate change being an entirely natural phenomenon, is an issue scientists have been discussing more and more. Widespread misinformation can lead to confusion about public health and environmental issues and can hinder those working to solve societal problems.

    As an environmental social scientist who researches how science can have an impact on society, I seek effective ways to address misinformation.

    There are many approaches that can work to some extent: for example, counteracting erroneous information with statements about scientific topics based on quality research that convey that the majority of experts agree, and “inoculating” people by preparing them to spot the fallacies in misinformation before they are first exposed to it.

    But one of the most important ways to counteract misinformation is less about the facts and more about how those facts move within social networks and communities. In other words, it’s not enough for science to be right – it has to be accepted within people’s social circles to have any meaningful impact.

    Can facts change minds?

    Most people tend to assume that their knowledge and ideas are based on a rational, objective analysis of information. And that’s sometimes the case – if it’s snowing outside, people don’t insist that it’s sunny and warm, no matter how much they might like it to be.

    Similarly, if a person comes across some novel fact in the news, such as the discovery of a new type of plant in the Amazon, they might just absorb that information and go about their day.

    But rationality and the ability to embrace new information goes out the window when it comes up against ideas that challenge one’s preexisting worldviews or social identities. Such information can feel like a personal attack, leading the body to release cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. So, certain facts can feel threatening or offensive.

    Sometimes, people accept new information without much thought. But when new information challenges their existing beliefs, they may double down on their point of view.

    Compounding what is happening in the brain is what’s happening in people’s communities. Humans are social animals who turn to others they trust to help them understand what’s what. People are attuned to what is considered normal or acceptable in their social environments, so if their social group holds a particular belief, they are more likely to adopt that belief too.

    One’s cultural and political identities often dictate how they interpret the same information, leading to disagreements even when presented with the same evidence.

    These cultural identities explain why, for example, research finds that science-skeptical behaviors, such as vaccine hesitancy and climate denialism, tend to cluster in social and geographical pockets. In these pockets, people’s skepticism is reinforced by others with similar beliefs in their social network. In such cases, providing more evidence on a certain topic won’t help, and it may even result in people digging in their heels deeper to deny the evidence.

    So if facts don’t necessarily change minds, what will?

    Leveraging community networks

    Recent research provides a solution for scientists and agencies hoping to correct misinformation: Rather than fighting against humans’ social nature, work with it.

    When people see trusted individuals within their social networks holding a certain belief, that belief becomes more credible and easier to adopt. Leveraging those community connections can allow new ideas to gain traction.

    One great example of using social networks to fight misinformation is how polio was eradicated in India. In 2009, India was the polio epicenter of the world, home to half of the world’s cases. These cases were largely clustered in vaccine-hesitant regions of the country. But by 2011, only two years later, India had only one case, and the country formally celebrated the eradication of polio in 2014.

    How did India go from having half of the world’s cases to just one case in under two years?

    Public health agencies asked volunteers from within vaccine-resistant communities to go on a listening campaign and become ambassadors for the vaccine. The volunteers were trained in interpersonal communication skills and tasked with spending time with parents. They built trust and rapport through regular visits.

    Because the volunteers were known within the communities, they were able to make headway where health workers from urban areas had not. As they established rapport, hesitant parents shared their concerns, which typically went beyond polio to include other health issues.

    Over time, more and more parents decided to vaccinate their children, until there was a tipping point and vaccination became a social norm. Perhaps most notably, the campaign led to full routine immunization rates in some high-risk regions of the country.

    A medical volunteer administers polio immunization drops to a child in India, years after the country’s last reported polio case.
    AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh

    India’s incredible success emphasizes the importance of personal interactions for changing minds, which means moving beyond simply presenting the facts. Building trust, listening to concerns and engaging with communities in a meaningful way were integral to India’s eradication of polio.

    The power of conversations

    Another example of using the power of social networks to talk about controversial science topics comes from a method called deep canvassing. Deep canvassing is a unique communication method that involves going door to door to have conversations with members of the public.

    But unlike traditional canvassing, which often focuses on rallying existing supporters, deep canvassing deliberately seeks to engage with those who hold different viewpoints, focusing efforts in communities where the topic is controversial.

    In deep canvassing, canvassers seek to have longer and more in-depth conversations, to share perspectives and relate with the residents they’re visiting.
    AP Photo/Greg Wahl-Stephens

    Canvassers are trained to ask questions to better understand the other person’s experiences and perspectives on the issue, and then they share their own personal stories. This helps to create a human connection, where both parties feel heard and respected. This connection can help to reduce the negative emotions that may emerge when someone is challenged to rethink their beliefs.

    One notable example of deep canvassing in action is the work of Neighbours United, an environmental nonprofit in Canada. They used a deep-canvassing approach to engage people in conversations about climate change.

    They piloted the method in a rural, conservative community called Trail, home to one of the largest zinc and lead smelters in the world. Prior efforts to engage community members hadn’t had much of an effect, as taking action on climate change was largely seen as being in conflict with how many people made their living.

    But the deep-canvassing method worked. Going door to door, the canvassers listened to residents’ concerns, shared their own stories about the impact of climate change and highlighted local environmental successes.

    As a result, 1 in 3 residents shifted their views about the importance of taking action to address climate change. This broad community support led the City Council to vote to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050.

    Sociologist Anthony Giddens described interpersonal interactions between experts, such as doctors or scientists, and the public as access points. He argued that these points are vital for maintaining trust in governmental and scientific institutions, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Environmental Protection Agency.

    These face-to-face interactions with experts can help people see them as kind, warm and professional, which can lead to trust.

    These examples show that creating support for attitudes and behaviors based on science requires more than just presenting facts. It requires creating meaningful dialogue between skeptical groups and scientific messengers. It’s also a reminder that while social networks may serve to propagate misinformation, they can also be an important tool for addressing it.

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

    – ref. Address science misinformation not by repeating the facts, but by building conversation and community – https://theconversation.com/address-science-misinformation-not-by-repeating-the-facts-but-by-building-conversation-and-community-249121

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Donald Trump’s war on global governance: lessons from the past on how to fight back

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

    US president Donald Trump’s recent actions seem designed to reassert American power and demonstrate that it is still the dominant global power and is capable of bullying weaker nations into following America’s lead.

    He has shown contempt for international collaboration by withdrawing from the UN climate negotiations and the World Health Organization. His officials have also indicated that they will not participate in upcoming G20 meetings because he does not like the policies of South Africa, the G20 president for 2025.

    In addition, he’s shown a lack of concern for international solidarity by halting US aid programmes and by undermining efforts to keep businesses honest. He has demonstrated his contempt for allies by imposing tariffs on their exports.

    These actions demand a response from the rest of the international community that mitigates the risk to the well-being of people and planet and the effective management of global affairs.

    My research on global economic governance suggests that history can offer some guidance on how to shape an effective response.

    Such a response should be based on a realistic assessment of the configuration of global forces. It should seek to build tactical coalitions between state and non-state actors in both the global south and the global north who can agree on clear and limited objectives.

    The following three historical lessons help explain this point.

    Cautionary lessons

    The first lesson is about the dangers of being overoptimistic in assessing the potential for change.

    In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the US was confronting defeat in the war in Vietnam, high inflation and domestic unrest, including the assassination of leading politicians and the murder of protesting students.

    The US was also losing confidence in its ability to sustain the international monetary order it had established at the Bretton Woods conference in 1944.

    In addition, the countries of the global south were calling for a new international economic order that was more responsive to their needs. Given the concerns about the political and economic situation in the US and the relative strength of the Soviet bloc at the time, this seemed a realistic demand.

    In August 1971, President Richard Nixon, without any international consultations, launched what became known as the Nixon Shock. He broke the link between gold and the US dollar, thereby ending the international monetary system established in 1944. He also imposed a 10% surcharge on all imports into the US.

    When America’s European allies protested and sought to create a reformed version of the old monetary order, US treasury secretary John Connolly informed them that the dollar was

    our currency but your problem.

    Over the course of the 1970s, US allies in western Europe, Asia and all countries that participated in the old Bretton Woods system were forced to accept what the US preferred: a market-based international monetary system in which the US dollar became the dominant currency.

    The US, along with its allies in the global north, also defeated the calls for a new international economic order and imposed their neo-liberal economic order on the world.

    The second cautionary lesson highlights the importance of building robust tactical coalitions. In 1969, the International Monetary Fund member states agreed to authorise the IMF to create special drawing rights, the IMF’s unique reserve asset. At the time, many IMF developing country member states advocated establishing a link between development and the special drawing rights. This would enable those countries most in need of additional resources to access more than their proportionate share of special drawing rights to fund their development.

    All developing countries supported this demand. But they couldn’t agree on how to do it. The rich countries were able to exploit these differences and defeat the proposed link between the special drawing rights and development. As a result, the special drawing rights are now distributed to all IMF member states according to their quotas in the IMF. This means that most allocations go to the rich countries who do not need them and have no obligation to share them with developing countries.

    A third lesson arises from the successful Jubilee 2000 campaign to forgive the debts of low-income developing countries experiencing debt crises. This campaign, supported by a secretariat in the United Kingdom, eventually involved:

    • civil society organisations and activists in 40 countries

    • a petition signed by 21 million people

    • governments in both creditor and debtor countries.

    These efforts resulted in the cancellation of the debts of 35 developing countries. These debts, totalling about US$100 billion, were owed primarily to bilateral and multilateral official creditors.

    They were also a demonstration of the political power that can be generated by the combined actions of civil society organisations and governments in both rich and poor countries. They can force the most powerful and wealthy institutions and individuals in the world to accept actions that, while requiring them to make affordable sacrifices, benefit low-income countries and potentially poor communities within those states.

    What conclusions should be drawn?

    We shouldn’t under-estimate the power of the US or the determination of the MAGA movement to use that power. However, their power is not absolute. It is constrained by the relative decline in US power as countries such as China and India gain economic and political strength. In addition, there are now mechanisms for international cooperation, such as the G20, where states can coordinate their actions and gain tactical victories that are meaningful to people and planet.

    But gaining such victories will require the following:

    Firstly, the formation of tactical coalitions that include states from both the global south and the global north. If these states cooperate around limited and shared objectives they can counter the vested interests around the world that support Trump’s objectives.

    Secondly, a special kind of public-private partnership in which states and non-state actors set aside their differences and agree to cooperate to achieve limited shared objectives. Neither states alone nor civil society groups alone were able to defeat the vested interests that opposed debt relief in the late 1990s. Working together they were able to defeat powerful creditor interests and gain debt relief for the poorest states.

    Thirdly, this special partnership will only be possible if there’s general agreement on both the diagnosis of the problem and on the general contours of the solution. This was the case with the debt issue in the 1990s.

    There are good candidates for such collaborative actions. For example, many states and non-state actors agree that international financial institutions need to be reformed and made more responsive to the needs of those member states that actually use their services but lack voice and vote in their governance. The institutions also need to be more accountable to those affected by their policies and practices. They also agree that large corporations and financial institutions should pay their fair share of taxes and should be environmentally and socially responsible.

    The urgency of the challenges facing the global community demands that the world begin countering Trump as soon as possible. South Africa as the current chair of the G20 has a special responsibility to ensure that this year the G20, together with its engagement groups, acts creatively and responsibly in relation to people and planet.

    – Donald Trump’s war on global governance: lessons from the past on how to fight back
    – https://theconversation.com/donald-trumps-war-on-global-governance-lessons-from-the-past-on-how-to-fight-back-249666

    MIL OSI Africa –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Donald Trump’s war on global governance: lessons from the past on how to fight back

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

    US president Donald Trump’s recent actions seem designed to reassert American power and demonstrate that it is still the dominant global power and is capable of bullying weaker nations into following America’s lead.

    He has shown contempt for international collaboration by withdrawing from the UN climate negotiations and the World Health Organization. His officials have also indicated that they will not participate in upcoming G20 meetings because he does not like the policies of South Africa, the G20 president for 2025.

    In addition, he’s shown a lack of concern for international solidarity by halting US aid programmes and by undermining efforts to keep businesses honest. He has demonstrated his contempt for allies by imposing tariffs on their exports.

    These actions demand a response from the rest of the international community that mitigates the risk to the well-being of people and planet and the effective management of global affairs.

    My research on global economic governance suggests that history can offer some guidance on how to shape an effective response.

    Such a response should be based on a realistic assessment of the configuration of global forces. It should seek to build tactical coalitions between state and non-state actors in both the global south and the global north who can agree on clear and limited objectives.

    The following three historical lessons help explain this point.

    Cautionary lessons

    The first lesson is about the dangers of being overoptimistic in assessing the potential for change.

    In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the US was confronting defeat in the war in Vietnam, high inflation and domestic unrest, including the assassination of leading politicians and the murder of protesting students.

    The US was also losing confidence in its ability to sustain the international monetary order it had established at the Bretton Woods conference in 1944.

    In addition, the countries of the global south were calling for a new international economic order that was more responsive to their needs. Given the concerns about the political and economic situation in the US and the relative strength of the Soviet bloc at the time, this seemed a realistic demand.

    In August 1971, President Richard Nixon, without any international consultations, launched what became known as the Nixon Shock. He broke the link between gold and the US dollar, thereby ending the international monetary system established in 1944. He also imposed a 10% surcharge on all imports into the US.

    When America’s European allies protested and sought to create a reformed version of the old monetary order, US treasury secretary John Connolly informed them that the dollar was

    our currency but your problem.

    Over the course of the 1970s, US allies in western Europe, Asia and all countries that participated in the old Bretton Woods system were forced to accept what the US preferred: a market-based international monetary system in which the US dollar became the dominant currency.

    The US, along with its allies in the global north, also defeated the calls for a new international economic order and imposed their neo-liberal economic order on the world.

    The second cautionary lesson highlights the importance of building robust tactical coalitions. In 1969, the International Monetary Fund member states agreed to authorise the IMF to create special drawing rights, the IMF’s unique reserve asset. At the time, many IMF developing country member states advocated establishing a link between development and the special drawing rights. This would enable those countries most in need of additional resources to access more than their proportionate share of special drawing rights to fund their development.

    All developing countries supported this demand. But they couldn’t agree on how to do it. The rich countries were able to exploit these differences and defeat the proposed link between the special drawing rights and development. As a result, the special drawing rights are now distributed to all IMF member states according to their quotas in the IMF. This means that most allocations go to the rich countries who do not need them and have no obligation to share them with developing countries.

    A third lesson arises from the successful Jubilee 2000 campaign to forgive the debts of low-income developing countries experiencing debt crises. This campaign, supported by a secretariat in the United Kingdom, eventually involved:

    • civil society organisations and activists in 40 countries

    • a petition signed by 21 million people

    • governments in both creditor and debtor countries.

    These efforts resulted in the cancellation of the debts of 35 developing countries. These debts, totalling about US$100 billion, were owed primarily to bilateral and multilateral official creditors.

    They were also a demonstration of the political power that can be generated by the combined actions of civil society organisations and governments in both rich and poor countries. They can force the most powerful and wealthy institutions and individuals in the world to accept actions that, while requiring them to make affordable sacrifices, benefit low-income countries and potentially poor communities within those states.

    What conclusions should be drawn?

    We shouldn’t under-estimate the power of the US or the determination of the MAGA movement to use that power. However, their power is not absolute. It is constrained by the relative decline in US power as countries such as China and India gain economic and political strength. In addition, there are now mechanisms for international cooperation, such as the G20, where states can coordinate their actions and gain tactical victories that are meaningful to people and planet.

    But gaining such victories will require the following:

    Firstly, the formation of tactical coalitions that include states from both the global south and the global north. If these states cooperate around limited and shared objectives they can counter the vested interests around the world that support Trump’s objectives.

    Secondly, a special kind of public-private partnership in which states and non-state actors set aside their differences and agree to cooperate to achieve limited shared objectives. Neither states alone nor civil society groups alone were able to defeat the vested interests that opposed debt relief in the late 1990s. Working together they were able to defeat powerful creditor interests and gain debt relief for the poorest states.

    Thirdly, this special partnership will only be possible if there’s general agreement on both the diagnosis of the problem and on the general contours of the solution. This was the case with the debt issue in the 1990s.

    There are good candidates for such collaborative actions. For example, many states and non-state actors agree that international financial institutions need to be reformed and made more responsive to the needs of those member states that actually use their services but lack voice and vote in their governance. The institutions also need to be more accountable to those affected by their policies and practices. They also agree that large corporations and financial institutions should pay their fair share of taxes and should be environmentally and socially responsible.

    The urgency of the challenges facing the global community demands that the world begin countering Trump as soon as possible. South Africa as the current chair of the G20 has a special responsibility to ensure that this year the G20, together with its engagement groups, acts creatively and responsibly in relation to people and planet.

    Danny Bradlow, in addition to his position at the University of Pretoria, is an advisor to the South African Institute of International Affairs on G20 issues and is a co-chair of the T20 Taskforce on the Financing of Sustainable Development.

    – ref. Donald Trump’s war on global governance: lessons from the past on how to fight back – https://theconversation.com/donald-trumps-war-on-global-governance-lessons-from-the-past-on-how-to-fight-back-249666

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Hanmi Bank Sponsors Southern California Wildfire Relief SBA Seminar in Partnership with the SBA Los Angeles District Office and the YMCA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hanmi Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: HAFC) (“Hanmi”), the holding company for Hanmi Bank, today announced it hosted a Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance seminar for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires in partnership with the YMCA of LA. Hanmi and SBA Los Angeles District office personnel provided timely information regarding the various programs available and were on hand to answer questions and assist impacted community members with the application process.

    The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation estimates that approximately 1,860 small businesses and 11,430 jobs located within the fire burn zones were potentially impacted.

    In conjunction with the event, Hanmi Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) presented the YMCA and the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) with a $30,000 check each. Hanmi’s portion of the donations included employee contributions and company matching funds.

    Anna Chung, Chief SBA Lending Officer at Hanmi Bank, said, “As a Los Angeles-headquartered community bank, we want to help the residents and businesses of our city get back on their feet as quickly as possible. Providing opportunities for those impacted by the fires to speak directly with SBA personnel and guide them through the relief application process is an important step in this journey. We know the road to recovery will be a long one and we will continue to identify ways to provide assistance and serve as a trusted resource.”

    To make the funding available to the YMCA and KAFLA, Hanmi Bank partnered with FHLBank San Francisco in its wildfire relief and recovery matching funds initiative that is part of a suite of tools and resources that are available to help its member financial institutions address both urgent needs and longer-term recovery efforts in local communities. These tools and resources include discounted credit programs that support affordable housing, economic development, and community revitalization efforts.

    “We are thankful to all of the first responders for their bravery and perseverance in battling the devastating wildfires in Southern California that destroyed over 10,000 homes, thousands of businesses, and displaced tens of thousands of people,” said Joe Amato, interim president and CEO, and chief financial officer with FHLBank San Francisco. “As the region begins a lengthy rebuilding effort, we will continue to serve and engage with our members, including Hanmi Bank, and community stakeholders to deliver much needed grants and funding to local organizations that serve a vital role in local community relief and recovery efforts.”

    The seminar took place on February 11th at the Anderson Munger Family YMCA Community Room in Koreatown. The Koreatown YMCA has been playing a central role in supporting victims across the entire YMCA metropolitan Los Angeles area. Representatives from the SBA Los Angeles District Office introduced the various types of SBA disaster loan programs available to impacted individuals and business owners.

    About Hanmi Financial Corporation
    Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Hanmi Financial Corporation owns Hanmi Bank, which serves multi-ethnic communities through its network of thirty-one full-service branches and eight loan production offices in California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Washington, and Georgia. Hanmi Bank specializes in real estate, commercial, SBA and trade finance lending to small and middle market businesses. Additional information is available at www.hanmi.com.

    Contact
    Juanita Gutierrez
    Vice President
    Financial Profiles, Inc.
    310-622-8235
    JGutierrez@finprofiles.com

    Source: Hanmi Bank

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f8ec975c-dc8b-4524-ab07-89412c7e2156

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives courtesy call by Chargé d’affaires a

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the United States Mission to ASEAN, Kate Rebholz, in a courtesy call at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. They exchanged views on ways to further advance the ASEAN-United States Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides also discussed capacity building programmes for ASEAN Secretariat staff and the activities of the ASEAN-U.S. Center in Washington, D.C.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives courtesy call by Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the U.S. Mission to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives visit by CEPI Board Chair

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received a visit by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Board Chair, Prof. Sarah Jane Halton, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. The meeting exchanged perspectives and explored potential cooperation on vaccine research, development and manufacturing in the ASEAN region. They also emphasized the importance of focusing on having a robust prevention, preparedness and response ecosystem to address public health emergencies and emerging diseases.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives visit by CEPI Board Chair appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Nametag Introduces VerifiedHire™ to Combat North Korean Remote IT Worker Fraud

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nametag, the leading provider of integrated identity verification and account protection solutions, today announced VerifiedHire™, a groundbreaking solution for secure employee onboarding and initial credentialing. VerifiedHire combats North Korean IT workers and other remote worker fraud schemes using Nametag’s revolutionary Deepfake Defense™ identity verification (IDV) engine, ensuring that only legitimate users gain access to enterprise networks and applications.

    Nation State Actors Are Exploiting Insecure Hiring Practices to Infiltrate Global Enterprises
    Investigations have uncovered numerous programs to place Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)-affiliated operatives into remote IT jobs within U.S. and global enterprises. This enables the country to avoid international sanctions, funnel money to weapons development programs, and steal secrets. Hundreds of western enterprises have been compromised; one program involving two front companies employing more than 130 DPRK IT workers has generated over $88 million for North Korea’s government. To combat these and other remote worker fraud schemes, Nametag created VerifiedHire.

    VerifiedHire Stops Fake IT Workers and Remote Worker Fraud
    Nametag’s solution prevents imposters from infiltrating corporate networks by replacing outdated, insecure initial credentialing procedures with robust identity assurance. New hires are directed to a self-service onboarding microsite, where they navigate intuitive workflows to verify their identity with Nametag’s Deepfake Defense engine. Verified hires can then set their passwords and enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) with their company’s identity provider(s). Imposters are prevented from gaining access, while security and risk teams gain crucial visibility into potential insider threats.

    “Employee onboarding is a gap in IT security that nobody has been able to figure out—except Nametag,” said the senior IT director at a top-ranked, publicly-traded biotechnology company. “VerifiedHire has transformed our employee onboarding experience. The ability for new hires to set up their own accounts without IT intervention is a game-changer. VerifiedHire is the only solution for employee onboarding and credentialing that delivers the level of identity security and assurance we require.”

    Key Features and Benefits

    • Prevents Infiltration: VerifiedHire is the first solution directly aimed at combating sophisticated remote worker fraud schemes, including deepfake-wielding nation-state threat actors.
    • Stops Contractor Fraud: Enterprises can use Nametag to quickly verify their extended workforce at scale, discovering imposters and revealing potential insider threats.
    • Eliminates Temporary Passwords: VerifiedHire replaces outdated, insecure temporary password delivery systems with an initial credentialing experience that’s modern, secure, and streamlined.
    • Powered by Deepfake Defense: VerifiedHire is built on Deepfake Defense, the only identity verification engine proven effective against modern, AI-powered impersonation threats.
    • Cost Savings: By deflecting new employee verification and initial credentialing to self-service, VerifiedHire creates substantial time and cost savings for IT and Human Resources departments.

    “Nametag’s launch of VerifiedHire underscores our continued commitment to creating end-to-end workforce account protection,” said Aaron Painter, CEO at Nametag. “Since every organization employs a unique approach to employee onboarding, we developed an out-of-the-box-solution that is easily customized to each enterprise’s workflows, software environments, and business requirements.”

    VerifiedHire fits seamlessly into enterprise onboarding workflows through plug-and-play integrations with Identity and Access Management (IAM) providers such as Okta, Microsoft Entra, Cisco Duo, and OneLogin. Nametag also integrates with IT Service Management (ITSM) platforms such as ServiceNow and Zendesk. Turnkey integrations with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) such as Workday are under development. Nametag’s platform supports a deep level of configuration and customization, including industry-leading privacy controls.

    Nametag VerifiedHire™ is available today. Visit getnametag.com to learn more and view a demo.

    About Nametag
    Nametag provides integrated identity verification and account protection solutions that prevent modern impersonation threats and streamline user experiences. Powered by Deepfake Defense™, Nametag detects and blocks sophisticated attacks which bypass other, outdated approaches to user verification, delivering the highest possible level of identity assurance. Nametag’s out-of-the-box solutions help enterprises secure their entire user account lifecycle, from onboarding through recovery, while ensuring compliance with the latest privacy standards. Security-conscious enterprises trust Nametag to protect their businesses and reduce IT and support costs. For more information, visit getnametag.com.

    Nametag Media Contact:
    Jennifer Schenberg
    PenVine for Nametag
    917-445-4454
    jennifer@penvine.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7a13a7c-3efe-4e03-ae07-f395f05d3af5

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Uni-Fuels Awarded International Sustainability and Carbon Certifications, Reinforcing Commitment to Sustainable Marine Fuel Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: UFG), (“Uni-Fuels” or the “Company”), a global provider of marine fuel solutions headquartered in Singapore, today announced that the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Uni-Fuels Pte Ltd (“Uni-Fuels Singapore”), has received both ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certifications from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), a globally recognized independent multi-stakeholder initiative and leading certification system supporting sustainable, fully traceable, deforestation-free and climate-friendly supply chains. These certifications highlight the Company’s commitment to sustainability and compliance with European Union (EU) regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the maritime industry.

    The ISCC certifications ensure that the biofuels traded by Uni-Fuels Singapore meet the requirements of the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), including the provision of Proof of Sustainability (PoS). This important documentation ensures biofuels are sustainably sourced and produced, enabling full traceability from feedstock to final product.

    As the maritime sector moves toward greater decarbonization, it is essential for biofuel suppliers to demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards, including the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime. PoS documentation ensures biofuels can be counted toward emissions reduction targets, as opposed to being treated as fossil fuels.

    Uni-Fuels Vice President, Operations Tan Guan Kai commented, “Achieving ISCC certifications demonstrates our commitment to supporting the global transition to cleaner fuels. With Proof of Sustainability documentation, we provide our customers with the assurance that the biofuels they rely on are responsibly produced and fully compliant with evolving regulations.”

    The PoS framework, combined with the ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certifications, ensures customers that the biofuels they use are responsibly sourced, traceable, and produced with sustainability in mind. These certifications provide both regulatory compliance and enhanced transparency, helping to build trust in the biofuel market.

    About Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited

    Uni-Fuels is a fast-growing global provider of marine fuel solutions, helping shipping companies optimize fuel procurement across all markets and time zones. Founded in 2021, Uni-Fuels has evolved from modest beginnings into a dynamic, forward-thinking company. Backed by a passionate team and a growing presence across multiple locations, it has forged trusted partnerships with customers, supporting them in achieving their operational objectives with confidence, from shore to shore.

    For more information, visit www.uni-fuels.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the completion and timing of closing of the offering and the intended use of the proceeds. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements represent Uni-Fuels’ current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Contact Information

    For Investor Relations:

    Uni-Fuels Holdings Ltd
    Email: investors@uni-fuels.com

    Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC
    Email: info@skylineccg.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – Cardinal Bo calls for reconciliation at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Nyaungbelin

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Archdiocese Yangon

    Yangon (Agenzia Fides) – “Inspired by Mary, we pray that the warring parties in Myanmar may come together at the Marian Shrine of Nyaunglebin. May this sacred place become a refuge of peace and reconciliation, where enemies embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ”, said Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, in his address to the faithful who had come to Nyaungbelin, in the Bago region of the Archdiocese of Yangon, for the Jubilee pilgrimage. At the shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, in an area where sporadic clashes between opposition forces and the Burmese army have occurred, more than three thousand faithful, three bishops, numerous priests and religious, as well as Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu believers gathered for the pilgrimage on February 9, asking for Our Lady’s intercession for peace in Myanmar and in the world.”In this holy land, countless pilgrims have sought consolation, healing and the tender intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes. As we gather on this blessed feast day, let our hearts swell with gratitude for the boundless love of our Blessed Mother and let us open ourselves to the wonders that faith can reveal”, the Cardinal said in his homily at the Eucharist in the shrine. In every pregnant mother in the refugee camps spread across the country and hosting more than 3.8 million people, “we see the face of a Mary on the way to Bethlehem, looking for a safe place to give birth to her child,” the Cardinal said. The courage of Burmese women, he added, “reflects Mary’s serenity in the midst of chaos and reminds us that peace is not the absence of adversity but the presence of God within.”The Cardinal recalled the importance of peace, reconciliation and forgiveness, recalling Mary as the “Mother of Peace” in Myanmar, which is plagued by unrest and conflict. “Her unwavering acceptance of God’s will invites us to cultivate inner peace and become messengers of peace in our troubled world,” he said.In “Mary, the Mother of Reconciliation,” he continued, “we find the strength to overcome divisions, heal broken relationships and unite in faith and love.” In a world torn by political, cultural or religious divisions, Mary calls us to be bridge builders,” he noted, urging everyone to ‘reconcile with those we consider enemies’ and ‘seek unity where there is discord’. “Mary,” he added, “in her deep sorrow did not give in to hatred or despair. She embodied the essence of forgiveness, reflecting the words of Jesus: ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34). Mary’s ability to forgive in the face of unimaginable suffering teaches us that forgiveness is a divine act of love that liberates both the giver and the receiver.”The Cardinal concluded by recalling that Mary is also venerated in the Koran. “This shared admiration,” he said, “invites us to interreligious dialogue and mutual respect, recognizing that Mary’s virtues are universal: she is the mother of us all,” stressing in this context that “Mary’s loving intercession can heal even the deepest wounds.”The Archbishop of Yangon expressed the hope that in the nation “the divisions of war will give way to the unity of peace, in which all people can live in harmony and in which Mary will guide our steps towards a lasting peace.” He called on the faithful “to actively seek to heal divisions as mediators of reconciliation” and “to practice forgiveness by freeing themselves from the grip of past injustices.” All are called to “support displaced families,” to “participate in interreligious efforts” to “support human rights and justice,” so that the baptized in the Jubilee Year become “beacons of hope, channels of God’s peace and messengers of his infinite mercy.” “May Mary, Mother of God, help us to create peace and harmony throughout the world, especially in Myanmar,” Cardinal Bo concluded. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 11/2/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Announces January 2025 Production and Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – First trial batch of SEALMINER A2 air cooled rigs have been delivered to our datacenters and are running smoothly.

    – Completed acquisition of 101 MW site and gas-fired power plant project in Alberta to deliver the industry’s first fully vertically-integrated Bitcoin mining site.

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing, today announced its unaudited mining and operations updates for January 2025.

    Operational Update

    • Self-mined Bitcoin: 126 Bitcoins, down from the previous month due to temporary curtailments at our Bhutan site related to higher seasonal electricity prices.
    • Mining Rig Manufacturing and R&D:
      • SEALMINER A1:
        • Mass production of approximately 3.7 EH/s of mining rigs remains on track with 0.4 EH/s powered on, 0.5 EH/s delivered for installation, 0.4 EH/s in-transit to datacenters and 2.4 EH/s in production. The manufacture of SEALMINER A1 is now expected to be completed at end of February or early March 2025.
      • SEALMINER A2:
        • Production of approximately 35 EH/s of mining rigs through October 2025, delayed by approximately one month due to 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on January 21, 2025.
        • First trial batch of air cooled rigs have been delivered to our mining datacenters for testing and are running stably.
        • ~29,000 units (~7 EH/s out of the 35 EH/s) of SEALMINER A2s allocated for external sales are expected to begin shipment in March through Q2 2025.
      • SEALMINER A3:
        • SEAL03 initial tape-out sample wafers with an expected chip efficiency of approximately 10 J/TH are expected in Q1 2025.
      • SEALMINER A4:
        • SEAL04 R&D remains on track to achieve an expected chip efficiency of approximately 5 J/TH with anticipated initial tape-out in Q3 2025.
      • The Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) of the U.S. Department of Commerce published a rule entitled “Implementation of Additional Due Diligence Measures for Advanced Computing Integrated Circuits”, in January 2025 (the “BIS Rules”). Based on preliminary review, the Company does not expect that the application of the BIS Rules will have any impact on the delivery of SEAL chips, as the outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (“OSAT”) companies for SEAL chips are Approved “OSAT” companies under BIS regulations.
    • HPC/AI:
      • Discussions are ongoing with multiple development partners and potential end users for select large scale sites in U.S. for HPC/AI.
      • Bitdeer AI Cloud, powered by NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with H100, saw its average utilization rate drop to ~60% in January 2025 due to an initial shift toward R&D in model inference and AI Agents. In the short term, some DGX H100 systems will be allocated to deploying open-source models like DeepSeek, Llama, and Qwen, enhancing API support for AI Agents, optimizing platform services, and advancing related R&D.
    • Hosting:
      • Client-hosted machines increased by 2,000 units and overall hashrate increased by 0.5 EH/s as customers are replacing older mining rigs with high efficiency ones.
    • Infrastructure:
      • Tydal, Norway, 40 MW phase 1 expansion has completed installation of transformers, with delivery and installation of electrical equipment currently in progress. The energization application has entered into the fast track for final regulatory approval.
      • Rockdale, Texas, USA, 100 MW hydro-cooling conversion is on track for phased completion during Q1 2025.
      • Clarington Phase 2, Ohio, USA, 304 MW is still pending approval and in negotiation with the landlord.
      • Jigmeling, Bhutan, 500 MW construction is on track with the primary substation expected to be completed by Q1 2025.
      • Fox Creek, Alberta, 101 MW gas-fired power plant and 99 MW datacenter of capacity for Bitcoin mining planned for energization in Q4 2026.
    • Financing:
      • Successfully executed a $17M supply chain financing facility with a 10.2% interest rate with a Singapore financial institution and completed the drawdown of facility in January 2025.

    Management Commentary

    “Our strategic acquisition of the 101 MW site near Fox Creek, Alberta and gas-fired power plant project marks a significant step in our strategy to become a fully-vertically integrated Bitcoin miner,” stated Matt Kong, Chief Business Officer of Bitdeer. “By combining our own power generation, SEALMINER mining machines and opportunistic grid participation, we believe this site will set a new benchmark for industry unit economics.”

    Mr. Kong continued, “In terms of our ASICs roadmap, mass production of our SEALMINER A1s remain on schedule. SEALMINER A2s were slightly impacted by the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan on January 21, 2025, and its mass production in H2 is expected to delay about one month. However, the first trial batch of SEALMINER A2 air cooled models have been delivered to our own datacenters for testing and are running smoothly. Further, we expect the initial tape-out sample wafers of our SEAL03 chip to be ready in March for testing. SEAL03 is expected to be the most advanced and energy-efficient Bitcoin mining chip on the market and represents a significant achievement for Bitdeer and the industry.”

    Production and Operations Summary

    Metrics Jan 2025 Dec 2024 Nov 2024
    Total hash rate under management1(EH/s) 22.4 21.6 20.7
    – Proprietary hash rate 9.2 8.9 8.8
    • Self-mining 8.7 8.5 8.2
    • Cloud Hash Rate 0.0 0.0 0.2
    • Delivered but not hashing 0.5 0.4 0.4
    – Hosting 13.2 12.7 11.9
    Mining machines under management 179,000 175,000 178,000
    – Self-owned2 87,000 85,000 86,000
    – Hosted 92,000 90,000 92,000
    Bitcoins mined (self-mining only) 126 145 150
    Bitcoin held3 724 594 443

    1Total hash rate under management as of January 31, 2025 across the Company’s three primary business lines: Self-mining, Cloud Hash Rate, and Hosting.

    • Self-mining refers to cryptocurrency mining for the Company’s own account, which allows it to directly capture the high appreciation potential of cryptocurrency.
    • Cloud Hash Rate offers hash rate subscription plans and shares mining income with customers under certain arrangements. The Cloud Hash Rate stated above reflects the contracted hash rate with customers at month-end.
    • Hosting encompasses a one-stop mining machine hosting solution including deployment, maintenance, and management services for efficient cryptocurrency mining.

    2Self-owned mining machines are for the Company’s self-mining business and Cloud Hash Rate business.
    3Bitcoins held do not include the Bitcoins from deposits of the customers.

    Infrastructure Construction Update

    Rockdale, Texas – 100 MW Hydro-cooling conversion to be energized in phases in Q1 2025:

    • Cooling system will be delivered and installed in phases in Q1 2025.
    • Planning for phased energization by March 2025.

    Tydal, Norway – 175 MW site expansion anticipated to be fully energized by mid-2025:

    • Installation of the transformers has been completed, with the delivery and installation of electrical equipment currently in progress. Additionally, the procurement and delivery of containers and hydro-cooling systems are underway, and drainage systems construction is ongoing.
    • Tydal, Norway Phase 1 40 MW expansion pending regulatory approval. Energization of the full 175 MW site is expected to occur no later than mid-2025, subject to regulatory approval.

    Massillon, Ohio – 221 MW site construction has begun ahead of schedule:

    • Substation construction is underway and is expected to be completed in Q3 2025.
    • Building design is completed and construction has begun earlier than expected, estimated to be completed in phases between Q3 and Q4 2025.
    • Estimated energization timeline remains on track for mid-to-late 2025.

    Clarington Phase 2, Ohio – 304 MW is still pending approval and in negotiation with the landlord.

    Jigmeling, Bhutan – 500 MW site is progressing well, with the following key milestones achieved:

    • Construction of transformer and container foundations in progress and will be completed in phases, with the last phase expected by the end of February 2025.
    • 132kv/140MW and 220kv/360MW substation designs are completed with construction anticipated to be finished by the end of Q1 2025.
    • Orders for the procurement of transformers and electrical equipment have been placed, with delivery and installation work to be completed in phases over Q1 and Q2 2025.
    • Procurement and delivery of containers and hydro-cooling systems are in progress, with completion expected in phases by the end of Q1 2025.

    Fox Creek, Alberta – 101 MW site acquired in Alberta sits on 19 acres is fully licensed and permitted:

    • Acquisition includes all permits and licenses to construct an on-site natural gas power plant, as well as approval for a 99 MW grid interconnection with Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”).
    • Bitdeer will develop and construct the power plant in partnership with a leading Engineering, Procurement and Construction (“EPC”) company and is expected to be energized by Q4 2026.
    Site / Location Capacity (MW) Status Timing4
    Electrical capacity      
    – Rockdale, Texas 563 Online Completed
    – Knoxville, Tennessee 86 Online Completed
    – Wenatchee, Washington 13 Online Completed
    – Molde, Norway 84 Online Completed
    – Tydal, Norway 50 Online Completed
    – Gedu, Bhutan 100 Online Completed
    Total electrical capacity 8955    
    Pipeline capacity      
    – Tydal, Norway Phase 1 40 In progress Pending Regulatory Approval
    – Tydal, Norway Phase 2 135 In progress Mid 2025
    – Massillon, Ohio 221 In progress Mid-to-late 2025
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 1 266 In progress Q3 2025
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 2 304 Pending approval Estimate 2026
    – Jigmeling, Bhutan 500 In progress Mid-to-late 2025
    – Rockdale, Texas 179 In planning Estimate 2026
    – Alberta, Canada 99 In planning Q4 2026
    Total pipeline capacity 1,744    
    Total global electrical capacity 2,639    

    4 Indicative timing. All timing references are to calendar quarters and years.
    5 Figures may not add up due to rounding.

    Upcoming Conferences and Events

    • March 11 – 12, 2025: Cantor Global Technology Conference in New York City
    • March 16 – 18, 2025: 37th Annual ROTH Growth Conference in Dana Point, California

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group

    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive computing solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @ BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.

    Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Orange Group
    Yujia Zhai
    bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    BlocksBridge Consulting
    Nishant Sharma
    bitdeer@blocksbridge.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Singapore ETO holds Chinese New Year dinner to promote Hong Kong (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Singapore ETO holds Chinese New Year dinner to promote Hong Kong (with photos)
    Singapore ETO holds Chinese New Year dinner to promote Hong Kong (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Singapore (Singapore ETO) hosted a dinner at the Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore in Singapore yesterday (February 11) to celebrate Chinese New Year and to promote Hong Kong. Over 200 guests from the government sector, foreign embassies in Singapore, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, business associations, academic institutions and cultural organisations attended, as well as the local Hong Kong community.      Speaking at the dinner, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, reviewed the work and achievements of Hong Kong and Singapore collaboration in recent years, including the visit by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, to Singapore in 2023, during which he led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region business delegation and signed seven Memoranda of Understanding. In January this year, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, Mr Gan Kim Yong, also led a high-level business delegation to Hong Kong, engaging in high-level discussions on traditional and emerging business sectors. Furthermore, 23 Singaporean companies expanded or established operations in Hong Kong in 2023, demonstrating Singapore enterprises’ investment interest and confidence in Hong Kong. Both sides expect to further build bilateral ties.      Mr Fung also took the opportunity to introduce, through a video, the Kai Tak Sports Park which is set to open on March 1. Major events and activities will be held at the park. Projects such as the Kai Tak Sports Park and the West Kowloon Cultural District exemplify Hong Kong’s cultural and soft power.      During the dinner, Hong Kong singer-songwriter Chet Lam, along with four band members, performed as guest artists. They delivered a selection of Cantonese, English, and Putonghua songs, including “Singapore Pie”, a piece by Liang Wern Fook, a renowned Singaporean lyricist, composer and Xinyao singer. Earlier, they and other Hong Kong musicians participated in an outdoor concert and talk under the “Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival @ Huayi” held in Singapore. The events were sponsored and supported by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore.      Mr Fung concluded that the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN), as Hong Kong’s second-largest merchandise trading partner, presents significant opportunities. Amid global economic challenges, Hong Kong has emphasised its unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, serving as a gateway between Mainland China and global markets, while reinforcing connectivity with traditional markets and exploring emerging markets in ASEAN and the Middle East, with the Greater Bay Area as a key focus for collaboration.      Looking ahead, Singapore ETO will host its first Chinese New Year dinner in Ho Chi Minh City on February 28 to celebrate the Year of the Snake and the 30th anniversary of the Office, while enhancing communication with local communities in Vietnam.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 13:39

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Members of public being lured to overseas to engage in illegal work

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ2: Members of public being lured to overseas to engage in illegal work
    LCQ2: Members of public being lured to overseas to engage in illegal work
    *************************************************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Yung Hoi-yan and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, in the Legislative Council today (February 12): Question:      It has been reported that recently, a number of cases have occurred involving members of the public suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work (cases of luring and detention). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the number of suspected cases of luring and detention received by the Government in each month of the past two years, as well as the following information on each case: the countries involved; the respective numbers of persons who were lured and successfully rescued; the longest period of detention; the respective numbers of persons arrested, prosecuted and successfully convicted in the cases concerned; and the penalties imposed on the convicted persons; (2) as it has been reported that the Security Bureau dedicated task force met with officials of the relevant law enforcement agencies in Thailand earlier on to exchange views on further strengthening co-operation in combating cross-border crimes, such as telecommunications and online frauds as well as human trafficking, of the Government’s plans in place to enhance collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in the region, including co-operation in law enforcement and exchange of information; and (3) given that the modus operandi of fraudsters is changing constantly, whether the Government has plans to enhance publicity and education work focusing on the fraudsters’ latest modus operandi, so that members of the public will step up the protection for themselves and stay vigilant; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President,      The Security Bureau (SB) has always attached great importance to cases where Hong Kong residents are suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work, and has established a dedicated task force in August 2022 to co-ordinate follow-up work on the cases by relevant law enforcement agencies (LEAs), including the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Immigration Department (ImmD), with a view to providing all practicable assistance to assistance seekers.      Since the second quarter of 2024, there have been signs of a resurgence in the situation where Hong Kong residents are suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work. In view of recent developments, I led the dedicated task force comprising members from the SB, the HKPF and the ImmD to Bangkok, Thailand last month. The dedicated task force met with senior officials including the Minister of Justice (MoJ) of Thailand, Mr Tawee Sodsong, who is a member of the Anti-Trafficking-in-Persons Committee chaired by the Prime Minister of Thailand, and the heads of the enforcement departments under the MoJ, as well as the Royal Thai Police, to further follow up on related cases.      The dedicated task force reflected the situation regarding relevant request-for-assistance cases, exchanged intelligence and discussed strengthening collaboration, with a view to assisting safe and early return of assistance seekers to Hong Kong as soon as possible. The Thailand authorities demonstrated great importance to the assistance cases and offered positive feedback. Moreover, the Thailand authorities expressed that they would further strengthen the prevention and combat of transnational crimes, and exchanged views on further strengthening co-operation and communication, as well as jointly combating cross-border crimes such as telecommunications, online fraud and human trafficking.      Members of the dedicated task force were sent again to Thailand by the SB in late January 2025 to co-ordinate with various units, and held meetings with the Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police, Mr Phanthana Nutchanart, and the Director of Special Investigation and the Director of Human Trafficking under the MoJ of Thailand, with a view to arranging the return of the rescued Hong Kong residents as soon as possible. They will continue to actively assist and follow up on all relevant request-for-assistance cases of Hong Kong residents who have yet to return, striving for their return to Hong Kong as soon as possible.      My reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Yung Hoi-yan is as follows: (1)  From 2023 to January 2025, the LEAs have received a total of 28 request-for-assistance cases (each case involves one victim) in relation to Hong Kong residents alleged to have been detained in Southeast Asian countries and not being able to leave. Among them, 19 have already returned to Hong Kong. As for the remaining nine persons, we believe that eight are in Myanmar while one is in Cambodia. The dedicated task force will continue to follow up and provide appropriate and practicable assistance to the assistance seekers or their families. The monthly breakdown of the number of request-for-assistance cases received by the LEAs, the countries involved, and the number of persons who have returned to Hong Kong are at Annex.       As regards Hong Kong, from 2023 to January 2025, the HKPF arrested a total of 11 persons in connection with this type of job scam cases where victims were lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work, for offences such as conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and obtaining property by deception. Besides, during the same period, two persons, who were arrested in 2022, were charged with conspiracy to defraud and convicted, and sentenced to 36 months’ and 56 months’ imprisonment respectively. (2)  After I led the dedicated task force comprising members from the SB, the HKPF and the ImmD to Bangkok, Thailand to meet with Thai authorities last month, the dedicated task force has established direct contacts with relevant Thai authorities to enhance future communication and exchange of intelligence, with a view to following up on the cases more effectively. Moreover, the ImmD will continue to maintain close contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Chinese diplomatic and consular missions there to actively follow up on the cases.      Meanwhile, the Secretary for Security also met with the Consuls-General of Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia in Hong Kong in mid-January 2025 to exchange views, share information and discuss strengthening future follow-up work. The SB received positive feedback from the Consuls-General during the meetings with all parties expressing hope to assist more assistance seekers in returning to Hong Kong safely as soon as possible. (3)  Since 2022, the HKPF has noticed the modus operandi of the scams and started broadcasting anti-fraud videos through various channels and platforms to remind residents of the prevalent modus operandi of scams and to exercise caution in order to avoid those scams. In view of the recent cases, the Government will continue to strengthen publicity, including promotion on social media platforms, distributing the “anti-scam” leaflets to travellers heading to Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia at the departure level of the Hong Kong International Airport, and through media reports, etc. In light of cases where the suspects met the victims in bars and entertainment establishments, the HKPF has also sent officers to distribute leaflets in various bar districts and entertainment establishments.      Moreover, in view of recent developments and having regard to the latest situation of relevant countries, the SB raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) level for south-eastern regions of Myanmar on January 17, 2025, including Myawaddy district, Hpapun district, Hpa-An district and Kawkareik district, to red, while maintaining an amber OTA for the rest of the country. The SB also updated the OTA webpage on the same day regarding supplementary information for Cambodia with a view to reminding residents to exercise caution and beware of overseas job scams. Besides, the SB has put on alerts on overseas job scams under the Other Travel Information section of the OTA webpage, urging residents to pay extra attention to online recruitment advertisements or comments and exercise due caution against claims of ways to earn money quickly and jobs offering extraordinarily high remuneration without specific requirements for academic qualification or working experience.      Thank you, President.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 12:45

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India takes part in the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development at New York

    Source: Government of India

    India takes part in the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development at New York

    Smt. Savitri Thakur , Minister of State for Women and Child Development delivers India’s statement at the Ministerial Forum, addressing the priority theme: “Strengthening Solidarity and Social Cohesion”

     India has embraced “Women-led development,” ensuring women are key players in shaping the development trajectory : Smt.Thakur

    India has launched large-scale programs to bridge the gender digital divide, promoting digital and financial literacy, especially in rural areas empowering millions of women entrepreneurs

    Posted On: 12 FEB 2025 9:25AM by PIB Delhi

    India took part in the 63rdsession of the Commission for Social Development (CSoCD), held from February 10 to 14, 2025 at New York ,USA . This participation was led by Smt. Savitri Thakur, the Minister of  State for the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India (GoI). This session aimed to encourage discussions and collaborations on pressing social development challenges, with an emphasis on advancing inclusive social policies and fostering global social well-being. The session witnessed the participation from 49 Countries including Ministers from 16 countries like France, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, etc.

    India’s involvement includes active participation in key discussions. On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Smt. Savitri Thakur delivered India’s statement at the Ministerial Forum, addressing the priority theme: “Strengthening Solidarity and Social Cohesion.”

    India expressed its appreciation to the Commission for its leadership in discussing the importance of strengthening solidarity and social cohesion to ensure no one is left behind. Since the 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development, India has made significant progress in addressing poverty, malnutrition, and universal healthcare, while also pioneering digital public infrastructure for sustainable development. By aligning with global best practices and developing indigenous solutions, India has become a model for the Global South.

      

    While addressing the Session, the Minister highlighted that India is driven by the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” (Development for All), with a focus on inclusivity. Through initiatives like the JAM TRINITY (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile), India has achieved financial inclusion for disadvantaged communities, especially women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. The country has also embraced “Women-led development,” ensuring women are key players in shaping the development trajectory.

    She said that India has launched large-scale programs to bridge the gender digital divide, promoting digital and financial literacy, especially in rural areas. This has empowered millions of women entrepreneurs, from start-ups to scalable businesses.

    As India works toward accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda for development, increasing women’s workforce participation is a key priority. India’s robust social protection model includes 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, maternity benefits for 37.5 million mothers, a network of One Stop Centres, and an integrated National Women’s Helpline. Additionally, India’s early childhood care, nutrition, and education initiatives benefit over 100 million children, mothers, and adolescent girls.

    #IndiaAtUN

    Hon’ble MoS Smt. Savitri Thakur @savitrii4bjp delivered India’s national statement at the 63rd CSoc-D session.

    Highlighted the success achieved by India in social development, poverty eradication and access to healthcare through leveraging technology, initiative of… pic.twitter.com/69x1B7rFcl

    — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) February 11, 2025

    India supported the resolution on the priority theme and is progressing with the concept of saturation in social protection to ensure the delivery of essential services to the poorest populations, addressing multidimensional poverty.

    India’s rights-based approach to universal health coverage, including reproductive health, and the provision of clean cooking fuel, safe drinking water, sanitation, and affordable housing has transformed the lives of women and marginalized communities. Over 40 million homes have been built for the poor, with women as either sole or joint owners.

    Nearly 100 million women have been linked with self-help groups (SHGs), contributing to economic transformation and grassroots leadership.

    In conclusion, India is fully committed to accelerating global progress and supporting the Commission’s efforts toward a just world for all.

    **** 

    SS/MS

    (Release ID: 2102077) Visitor Counter : 67

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ14: Regulating claw machine venues

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹Following is a question by the Hon Leung Man-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):
     
    Question:
     
         It has been reported that the High Court ruled in 2022 that ordinary claw machine venues do not fall within the definition of “entertainment” under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172), and are therefore not required to apply for a places of public entertainment licence. Some members of the public are concerned that at present, there is no legislation in Hong Kong regulating the operation of claw machine venues (including the probability of drawing prizes from claw machines, the contents of the products and the fees charged for the games, etc), and while there has been an upward trend of consumer complaints relating to claw machine games in recent years, it is rather difficult to deal with such complaints in the absence of relevant legislation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the respective numbers of reports involving claw machine games received by various law enforcement agencies in each of the past three years, the legislation involved in such cases, as well as the respective numbers of cases in which prosecutions were instituted and convictions were handed down;
     
    (2) whether the Police had, in the past three years, taken the initiative to investigate if any claw machine games involved illegal gambling; if they had taken the initiative to investigate and the outcome was in the affirmative, of the number of venues and claw machines involved, as well as the number of prosecutions instituted; if they had not taken the initiative to investigate, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as it has been reported that some claw machine venues offer games solely relying on luck, for example, by rolling the dice, and even offer cash or expensive prizes to solicit business, and that both the Mainland and overseas countries regulate claw machine games by, amongst others, limiting the value of the products and stipulating that gambling should not be promoted and cash rewards not be offered, whether the authorities have plans to follow similar practices; if not, of the reasons for that; and
     
    (4) whether the authorities have plans to review and amend the existing legislation, or put in place legislation and a licensing system targeting at claw machine-related games, etc, so as to strengthen the regulation; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:

    President,
     
         In consultation with the relevant policy bureaux, I give the consolidated reply to the Hon Leung Man-kwong’s question on behalf of the Government as follows:

    (1) Among the reports concerning claw machines received by the Office of the Licensing Authority of the Home Affairs Department in the past three years (from 2022 to 2024), there were two, six and five cases involving suspected unlawful gambling elements respectively. The relevant cases have been referred to the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) for follow up. The HKPF does not maintain other statistics on claw machines venues suspected of involvement in unlawful gambling.
     
         In the past three years, the number of reports received and enforcement actions taken by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) related to claw machines regarding suspected contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Cap. 362) are listed by year as follows:
     

    Case category
    2022
    2023
    2024

    Reported cases
    16
    86
    158

    Prosecution cases*
    0
    1
    2

    Convicted cases*
    0
    1
    2

    * The cases are mainly associated with the offence of possession for sale or for any purpose of trade or manufacture goods to which a forged trade mark was applied under section 9(2) of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

    (2) The HKPF has all along tackled illegal gambling in a proactive manner and closely monitored the relevant trend in a bid to combat such activities timely through intelligence-led enforcement actions.
     
         In November 2024, the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau of the HKPF mounted a “Sharpteam” operation against unlawful gambling activities and, for the first time, smashed a suspected unlawful gambling establishment operating claw machines for winnings in money in Mong Kok. During the operation, the Police arrested a total of 17 people, including the responsible persons of the establishment, its staff and the gamblers, who were suspected to have operated or managed an unlawful gambling establishment, assisted in the operation or management of an unlawful gambling establishment and gambled in a gambling establishment. Fourteen claw machines suspected to be gambling game machines in disguise were seized. Police investigation is underway, and the 17 arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation. The HKPF would seek advice from the Department of Justice when necessary.

         The HKPF will continue its efforts in taking intelligence-led enforcement actions and in enhancing publicity and education, which include the production of promotional video clips, and dissemination of messages about combating unlawful gambling on conventional and social media platforms, in order to crack down on different kinds of unlawful gambling activities.
     
    (3) and (4) According to the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148), in order to obtain an Amusements with Prizes Licence (AWPL), one must first obtain a Places of Public Entertainment Licence (PPEL) under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172). As mentioned in the Member’s question, since the Court has ruled that typical claw machine venues where people clamp items in the machines upon payment are no longer required to obtain a PPEL under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance, the Government will continue to keep in view the operation of claw machine venues in the society and consider the regulatory issues concerned. In the meantime, claw machine venues are not required to obtain relevant licences, including the AWPL under the Gambling Ordinance.

         However, the HKPF will continue to take appropriate enforcement actions against illegal gambling activities conducted under the camouflage of claw machines based on the evidence collected and in accordance with the Gambling Ordinance.

         On the other hand, if the operation of claw machines venues involves the use of counterfeit goods for the purpose of trade or other unfair trade practices, the C&ED will take appropriate enforcement actions pursuant to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri holds bilateral meetings on Day 2 of Aero India 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 10:30PM by PIB Delhi

    On the sidelines of Aero India 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with Minister of Defence of Armenia Mr Suren Papikyan, Minister of Defence, Malawi Ms Monica Changanamuno and Minister of the Armed Forces of Madagascar Lt Gen Sahivelo Lala Monja Delphin in Bengaluru on February 11, 2025.

    The meeting of Raksha Mantri and the Armenian Defence Minister provided both sides with an opportunity to discuss matters related to bilateral defence cooperation. Both leaders acknowledged the growing significance of defence ties between both nations which are progressing well with multi-pronged approach on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation. They discussed increasing bilateral training cooperation and possibilities of joint ventures between defence industries of both countries. Towards enhancing interoperability Armenia’s inclusion as an observer in the Joint India-Central Asia Army exercise was decided between both leaders.

    During the meeting with the Minister of Defence, Malawi, both leaders had wide-ranging discussions on ways to further strengthen bilateral defence relations and enhance cooperation in areas of training, military courses and capacity building of the Armed Forces. Both sides also agreed to expedite signing of Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation to foster mutual understanding and enhance strategic interests.

    During the meeting with Minister of the Armed Forces of Madagascar, both sides held comprehensive discussions on the matters of bilateral defence cooperation and maritime domain. They also discussed the possibilities for expanding bilateral defence cooperation, particularly early conclusion of an agreement for promoting Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region and cooperation in capacity building of Defence Forces.

    *****

    SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2102076) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ8: Hosting events of 15th National Games, 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and 9th National Special Olympic Games

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 12):
     
    Question:
     
         The 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) to be co-hosted by Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region for the first time will be held from November 9 to 21 and from December 8 to 15 this year respectively. Hong Kong will host eight competition events and one mass participation event for the 15th NG, as well as four competition events and one mass participation event for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the following information on the events to be hosted in Hong Kong: (i) the arrangements for event management and competition schedules, (ii) the number of participating athletes, (iii) the expected number of spectators, (iv) the details of the publicity and promotional activities, and (v) the ticketing arrangements;
     
    (2) of the specific measures put in place by the authorities to enhance the ancillary transport facilities and capacity of the main stadiums and venues of the events to be hosted in Hong Kong (including Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong Coliseum, Hong Kong Velodrome, Hong Kong Golf Club – Fanling Golf Course, Victoria Park, and Central Harbourfront Event Space and Victoria Harbour) during the events;
     
    (3) as it is learnt that the recruitment of volunteers for the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG was conducted from July to November last year, of (i) the number of applications received, (ii) the number of volunteers finally selected and (iii) their age distribution;
     
    (4) as it is learnt that the selected volunteers mentioned in (3) will mainly be responsible for tasks such as reception services upon arrival and departure, spectator services, guest reception, crowd control, transport and logistics, catering management and presentation ceremony support, and will receive training, of the details of the manpower establishment and training of volunteers for the aforesaid tasks; and
     
    (5) whether it has assessed if the number of selected volunteers mentioned in (3) can meet the relevant manpower demand, and whether it will consider recruiting more volunteers or mobilising civil servants to participate in the support work for the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the 15th National Games (15th NG), and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (12th NGD and 9th NSOG) will be held from November 9 to 21 and from December 8 to 15, 2025, respectively. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been maintaining close liaison with the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. In addition, the HKSAR Government has been working with the concerned National Sports Associations and other related organisations in Hong Kong to press ahead with the preparatory work. Bringing success to the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG is a significant mission of the HKSAR Government this year, and they are also mega events. We will continue to dedicate the fullest efforts to taking forward the related work with a view to co‑hosting a “simple, safe and wonderful” 15th NG as well as 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in collaboration with Guangdong and Macao, and thereby deepening the exchanges and collaborations in sports between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area cities, and also their overall integrated development.
          
         Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Kenneth Lau is as follows:
     
     (1)(i) The 15th NG will have competition events for 34 sports and mass participation events for 23 sports. Hong Kong will host eight competition events (namely basketball (men U22), track cycling, fencing, golf, handball (men), rugby sevens, triathlon and beach volleyball) and one mass participation event (namely bowling). In addition, Hong Kong will assist Zhuhai and Shenzhen respectively in organising two cross-boundary events, namely road cycling and marathon.
     
         The 12th NGD and 9th NSOG will have competition events for 35 sports and mass participation events for 11 sports. Hong Kong will host four competition events (namely boccia, wheelchair fencing and table tennis (TT11) for NGD, and table tennis for NSOG) and one mass participation event (namely para dance sport).
          
         In view of the numerous events in the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG, the Governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are co-ordinating the overall schedules of the Games for submission to the GASC and the CDPF for approval. We will continue to liaise closely with the GASC, the CDPF as well as the Governments of Guangdong and Macao with a view to finalising the schedules of the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG as soon as possible. The details will be announced in due course.
     
    (ii) Based on the competition prospectuses and guidelines promulgated by the GASC and the CDPF, it is estimated that about 1 800 and 700 athletes will participate respectively in the 15th NG events and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG events in Hong Kong. In addition, it is estimated that about 1 000 delegation officials (including coaches, team physicians), 800 technical officials (including referees), and 750 members of the media will visit Hong Kong during the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG.
     
    (iii) It is estimated that the events in Hong Kong will attract more than 100 000 spectators from Hong Kong, the Mainland and other regions.
     
    (iv) The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) is working with relevant government departments and organisations to launch territory-wide publicity and promotion campaigns through various online and offline channels, with a view to enhancing the awareness and interest in the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG among different sectors of the community. The initiatives include conducting multi-channel publicity through traditional media, social media, city dress-up and roving exhibitions; organising community and school promotion programmes in co-operation with local organisations and schools; hosting feature events such as exchanges with athletes and sports experiential activities in collaboration with sports organisations; and launching a dedicated website and applications for digital marketing.
     
         The first stage of the publicity and promotion campaigns was launched during November to December last year to tie in with the one-year countdown to the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG, which included rolling out a series of cityscape enhancement, roving exhibitions, publicity videos, thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk) and social media pages (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk, www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk) of Hong Kong for the Games. The second stage commenced in January this year, with initiatives including city dress-up and photo-taking spots featuring the mascots of the Games, enhancing the design of the thematic website, enriching social media content, etc. The third stage, covering the 100-day countdown, torch relay, etc, will begin in August 2025. We will do our utmost to foster a welcoming atmosphere and enhance the popularity and participation of the Games in Hong Kong, whilst encouraging Hong Kong people and tourists to watch the Games and cheer for the athletes.
     
    (v) Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao are discussing the ticketing plans and sales arrangements for the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG. The three places will adopt the same sales platform. 
     
    (2) The competition venues for the events in Hong Kong, including the soon‑to-open Kai Tak Sports Park, have hosted various large-scale events and competitions previously, or undergone different drills and stress tests. The CSTB is, in collaboration with the relevant departments including the Hong Kong Police Force, the Transport Department, conducting a detailed assessment on the traffic and transport arrangements to and from the venues having regard to the transport facilities and capacity of the venues, their past experiences in staging competitions, and the number of participating athletes and spectators for each event.  We will formulate specific transport measures and special transport arrangements having regard to the assessment, and discuss with the various public transport operators on strengthening the public transport service as appropriate.
     
    (3) (i) to (iii) The recruitment of volunteers for the Hong Kong Volunteer Programme of the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG was conducted from July to November last year. We received a total of over 30 000 applications for volunteer leaders or volunteers. In addition, about 2 000 young people aged between 15 and 17 have applied as youth volunteers. The selection interviews for volunteer leaders and volunteers were completed in January this year, and we plan to invite about 15 000 applicants to attend training. Individuals completing all the required training sessions will be appointed as the Games’ volunteers in Hong Kong. The final number of volunteers and their age distribution will only be available after completion of the whole recruitment exercise.
     
    (4) We are formulating the detailed volunteer deployment plan. We will take into account the nature and arrangements of individual events as well as the numbers of participating athletes and spectators, and thereby assessing the requirements for supporting services and the types of volunteer positions. We will also estimate the manpower requirement for different volunteer positions having regard to factors such as the skills required, the service hours and the place of work of the positions involved.
     
         All volunteers are required to attend basic training and position-related training. The basic training, lasting for about two days, will cover various areas including the background of the 15th NG and the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG and a brief introduction of the events in Hong Kong; the principles, code of practice and etiquette of volunteer work; communication, response and problem-solving skills; the ways of assisting people with disabilities and basic first-aid knowledge. Volunteer leaders are required to receive additional advanced training of about two days, covering the roles of volunteer leaders, the ways of handling unexpected situations, expectation management, mental health management, media handling skills, operation of volunteer management system, skills in leading and bonding volunteers. We will start the training for volunteer leaders in February this year and that for volunteers in general in March.
     
    (5) The response to the Hong Kong Volunteer Programme has been satisfactory, with the number of applicants succeeding in the selection far exceeding the original recruitment target of 10 000 volunteers. The volunteer applicants have already included members of civil service volunteer teams. At present, we have no plan to recruit additional volunteers.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government receives report on flight arrangement issues from Greater Bay Airlines

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         In relation to the cancellation of a number of flights in February and March by Greater Bay Airlines (GBA), the Government received the report and supplementary information submitted by GBA to the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) on January 29 and February 7 respectively, as requested by the Government.

         The report revealed that the main causes of the failure in flight scheduling were a lack of internal communication and a lack of co-operation from customer service operations. GBA indicated that it has conducted an in-depth review and taken necessary measures to contact all of the some-5 000 affected passengers and properly provide them with alternatives, including ticket refunds and transfers to alternative flights. In addition, GBA reassured that it is committed to providing passengers with stable and reliable services, and ensuring that similar incidents would not occur again in future.

         The report proposed a number of improvement measures, including strengthening internal management procedures for flight scheduling arrangements, enhancing internal communication on changes to flight schedules and destinations, ensuring fleet and manpower stability and reliability, and enhancing customer service’s ability to cope with unforeseen incidents.

         The Transport and Logistics Bureau and the CAD will closely follow up on the implementation progress of the various improvement measures proposed in the GBA report and supplementary information, with a view to preventing the recurrence of similar incidents. The Government will also continue to maintain close communication with GBA on its aviation network development, fleet and manpower situation, ensuring steady and orderly growth of local airlines while optimising the use of civil aviation resources.

         A summary of the report submitted by GBA on January 29 is at the Annex.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 13, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Operation of government funds

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ7: Operation of government funds
    LCQ7: Operation of government funds
    ***********************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (February 12): Question:      It is learnt that as at end-September last year, a total of 43 funds have been set up by various government bureaux and departments (B/Ds), which are segregated from the government accounts and administered by the relevant B/Ds. Some members of the public are concerned that while quite a number of funds have been set up for years with mechanisms being put in place by the relevant B/Ds to monitor the operation of such funds, there are still areas for improvements. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) as it is learnt that no expenditure was recorded for some funds such as the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation (SDTFR) – Sports Aid for the Disabled Fund and SDTFR – Sports Aid Foundation Fund in the past nine financial years, whether the Government has reviewed the effectiveness of the relevant monitoring mechanisms; if so, of the details; and (2) whether the Government has regularly reviewed the utilisation and effectiveness of various funds, and introduced improvement measures (including considerations of merging funds with similar functions) to enhance the efficiency of fund management; if so, of the details? Reply: President,      Our consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Andrew Lam is as follows:      Under section 12(2) of the Public Finance Ordinance (Cap. 2), Controlling Officers shall be responsible and accountable for all expenditure from any head or subhead for which they are the Controlling Officer, and for all public moneys and Government property in respect of the department or service for which they are responsible. The relevant internal administrative guidelines of the Government further provides that, in managing purpose-specific funds, Controlling Officers should observe the need to strive to achieve maximum value for money and exercise prudence in the disbursement of government fund.      As the Education Development Fund has already ceased operations after the 2018/19 school year, there are currently a total of 42 funds which are segregated from the government accounts. Although these funds were set up for different purposes and in different mode, the Controlling Officers managing these funds have put in place an appropriate monitoring mechanism for each of these funds to ensure effective use of public financial resources. For instance, steering, management or advisory committees comprising representatives from relevant government bureaux/departments (B/Ds), relevant stakeholders and independent members were set up to oversee the funds’ operation, handle matters related to the funds and give advice. For funds established by law or in the form of a trust, the Controlling Officers should also ensure their operation complies with the relevant requirements of the law and provisions in the trust deed, including the submission of statements of the accounts and/or progress reports of the funds to the Director of Audit and the Legislative Council as required.      Controlling Officers will formulate and update strategic plans for achieving the purposes of the funds and develop appropriate performance measures for the funds under their purview. Controlling Officers will also conduct regular reviews on the use and effectiveness of the funds, and contemplate appropriate financial arrangements (such as considering whether to merge/retain the funds or implement relevant policy initiatives by other means, etc.) having regard to the policy objectives behind, the financial situation of the funds, views of stakeholders, etc., thereby ensuring effective and flexible use of public financial resources. In cases where there is no need to retain a fund as the policy objectives have been achieved (e.g. the Education Development Fund), the balance of the fund will be brought back to the government accounts.      There are some funds with no expenditure recorded in recent years (such as the J.E. Joseph Trust Fund and the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fund), as these funds are loan funds in nature. Therefore, even though these funds are still in normal operation and loans are being granted in the accordance with the purposes of the funds, expenditure will only be recorded in the year when there are bad debts written off. As for the other funds (including the Sports Aid for the Disabled Fund and the Sports Aid Foundation Fund established under the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation), the B/Ds concerned are reviewing their financial position and will examine whether there is the need to retain them.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 12, 2025Issued at HKT 11:18

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 13, 2025
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