Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI: BlackLine’s Signature Finance Transformation Event Returns to London and Debuts in Paris

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackLine is expanding the reach of its flagship finance transformation event, BeyondTheBlack, with two key events in Europe this June. BeyondTheBlack will return to London on June 17, followed by its debut in Paris on June 19, marking the first time the event has been held in France.

    Each event brings together finance and accounting leaders across industries to explore how world-class companies are achieving smarter, faster, and more scalable financial operations through BlackLine’s AI-powered automation and platform innovation.

    Event Details:

    BEYONDTHEBLACK LONDON
    Date: June 17, 2025
    Location: De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London
    Details & Registration: beyondtheblack.com/london

    The London event will feature executive keynotes, live demos, and customer transformation stories from:

    • AstraZeneca
    • Hitachi
    • Kier Group
    • The LEGO Group

    BEYONDTHEBLACK PARIS
    Date: June 19, 2025
    Location: Cloud Business Center, Paris
    Details & Registration: beyondtheblack.com/paris

    Marking its debut in France, the Paris conference will be conducted in French and feature customer sessions from:

    • Hilti
    • Renault
    • Savencia

    Why Attend:

    • Explore BlackLine’s latest innovations, including the Studio360 platform
    • Hear directly from customers achieving meaningful business outcomes
    • Participate in deep-dive sessions led by BlackLine experts and partners
    • Connect with a community of finance leaders shaping the future of the Office of the CFO

    About BlackLine

    Companies come to BlackLine (Nasdaq: BL) because their traditional manual accounting processes are not sustainable. BlackLine’s cloud-based financial operations management platform and market-leading customer experience help companies move to modern accounting by unifying data, automating repetitive work, and driving accountability through visibility. BlackLine provides solutions to manage and automate financial close, intercompany accounting, invoice-to-cash, and consolidation processes—trusted by more than 4,400 customers worldwide, including 50% of the Fortune 500.

    For more information, visit www.blackline.com.

    Media Contact:

    Samantha Darilek
    VP, Corporate Communications
    samantha.darilek@blackline.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Zoom completes rollout of Zoom Phone in six telecom circles, with plans for further expansion in India

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) today announced the further expansion of its industry-leading Zoom Phone service to four major metro telecom circles in India — Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Karnataka (Bengaluru), and Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (Hyderabad). The Delhi NCR Telecom Circle includes the Union Territory of Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, NOIDA, and Gurgaon. Licensed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) India, Zoom Phone is now available in six telecom circles in India, including Maharashtra (October 2024) and Tamil Nadu (Chennai) Telecom Circles (February 2025), thereby covering key business and technology hubs in the country. Zoom also plans to bring Zoom Phone to additional telecom circles across India, accelerating its commitment to make AI-first modern telephony available to more organizations across key states in India.

    “Zoom Phone addresses the growing demand for cloud telephony by offering simplicity and modern functionality for distributed workforces. India is an important market for us, and our expansion plans beyond the six key telecom circles demonstrate our commitment to providing customers with a unified work platform. This expansion also reflects the growing traction Zoom Phone is receiving, especially from multinational companies, as businesses in India move away from legacy PBX systems toward more flexible, AI-first collaboration solutions that enhance employee productivity,” said Velchamy Sankarlingam, president of Product and Engineering, Zoom.

    Zoom Phone offers businesses simplicity and modern functionality, empowering dynamic workstyles and hybrid teams. Available as an add-on for existing paid Zoom customers, it supports inbound and outbound calling through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), enabling enterprises to replace legacy private branch exchange (PBX) systems and consolidate communication needs onto a single AI-first platform in Zoom Workplace.

    Zoom Phone also integrates seamlessly with Zoom Contact Center to offer a unified experience with features like call transfer, call forwarding, and call recording accessible within the Zoom Contact Center environment. Zoom Contact Center can access Zoom Phone user details like extensions, Direct Inward Dialing (DID) numbers, and usernames, enabling caller identification and routing.

    In addition to services in the six active telecom circles, Zoom Phone enables businesses to maintain seamless collaboration across India, even in regions where Zoom Phone service is not yet available. Through Zoom’s self-service web portal, customers can acquire native phone numbers based on specific telecom circles, such as Karnataka, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai, enabling them to establish a local presence in those regions. These native numbers operate over the PSTN, allowing customers to place outbound calls and receive inbound calls nationwide, regardless of their physical location. This allows organizations to maintain continuity and flexibility in their collaboration strategy, even in telecom circles where Zoom Phone is not directly available.

    Enhanced by Zoom AI Companion, which is included at no additional cost with eligible Zoom paid accounts, Zoom Phone offers powerful AI features to boost productivity. These include post-call summaries so users can focus on conversations instead of taking notes, voicemail task extraction to easily identify next steps, and voicemail prioritization to better manage time and attention. Zoom Phone also integrates seamlessly with Zoom Workplace, leading business applications, and hardware providers, offering robust security, scalability, and an intuitive user interface.

    “We are thrilled that Zoom Phone is now available in six of India’s most prominent business and technology hubs. Each of these cities is home to thriving ecosystems of local enterprises and multinational corporations that will benefit from Zoom Phone’s flexibility and seamless integration into their existing workflows. Bringing Zoom Phone to additional telecom circles is a natural next step in our commitment to empower more organizations with access to reliable, modern AI-first telephony,” said Sameer Raje, general manager and head of India & SAARC region at Zoom. “Zoom Phone and Zoom Contact Center are purpose-built to work seamlessly together to empower organizations to deliver unified communications and superior customer and employee engagement. With this launch, we are excited to help businesses streamline collaboration, support flexible workforces, and enhance employee and customer experiences.”

    To learn more about Zoom Phone, please visit the Zoom Phone page.

    About Zoom
    Zoom’s mission is to provide an AI-first work platform for human connection. Reimagine teamwork with Zoom Workplace — Zoom’s open collaboration platform with AI Companion that empowers teams to be more productive. Together with Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer experience teams, including Zoom Contact Center, strengthen customer relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more information at zoom.com.

    Zoom Press Contact
    Hayley Yap
    APAC Communications Lead
    press@zoom.us

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana and Zambia have snubbed Africa’s leading development bank: why they should change course

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Misheck Mutize, Post Doctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Business (GSB), University of Cape Town

    The governments of Ghana and Zambia recently took a decision that could have serious consequences for other African countries. The decision relates to arrangements on how the two countries will repay the debt they owe to Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

    They have both taken decisions to relegate Afreximbank to a commercial lender from a preferred creditor. This means that the terms on which Afreximbank has lent money to these two countries will change. And it will lose certain protections. For example preferred creditors are repaid first, before any other lenders.

    This protects preferred creditors’ balance sheets and enables them to continue lending during crisis periods when others cannot. In contrast, commercial banks get paid later or might not get paid at all. This higher risk factor means that they charge higher rates.

    Based on decades of researching Africa’s capital markets and the institutions that govern them it’s my view that the long-term consequences of this precedent are detrimental. If other African borrowers follow suit, treating loans from African multilateral development banks as ordinary commercial debt during restructuring, it will erode the viability of these institutions. Investors who fund Afreximbank through bonds and capital markets may reassess its risk profile, pushing up its cost of funding and making future lending less affordable.

    The ultimate losers will be African countries themselves, especially those with limited access to international capital. Afreximbank, along with other African financial institutions, is a lifeline for trade finance, infrastructure development, and crisis response. Undermining its legal protections weakens the continent’s capacity for self-reliant development.

    Afreximbank was created under the auspices of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 1993. It was set up with a public interest mandate to develop African trade and promote integration. Its legal status and structural features place it closer to international multilateral development banks than to private creditors, justifying its treatment as a preferred creditor.

    The decision by Accra and Lusaka signals lack of confidence in African financial institutions. It suggests that they do not trust them to the same extent as global institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. These are treated as preferred creditors, on the assumption that they will lend to countries in crisis or distress when commercial lenders retreat.

    The actions of Ghana and Zambia set a dangerous precedent by sidelining African financial institutions in favour of external creditors. That risks weakening Africa’s financial institutions and undermining the very concept of African solutions to African problems. Investors will become more sceptical and pessimistic, demanding more interest.

    The continent needs to develop an ability to independently design, finance and implement its economic development policies without support from external financial institutions. Afreximbank helps to achieve this through financing African-designed infrastructure and counter-cyclical lending.

    Ghana and Zambia still have an opportunity to correct course. In my view they should do so for the sake of the bank, its member states and the future of African economic sovereignty.

    The background

    Ghana and Zambia have both defaulted on their external bonds in the last four years. Zambia in October 2020 and Ghana in December 2022. This forced them to negotiate new sustainable terms with creditors.

    During their respective debt negotiations, both countries have announced that they would include African multilateral development banks such as Afreximbank and the Trade and Development Bank in the debt restructuring.

    This followed private and bilateral creditors contesting unequal distribution of restructuring burdens, where they face losses while some multilateral institutions are shielded. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank, which are preferred creditors, do not fund infrastructure, they only offer balance of payments support.

    The decision by Ghana and Zambia to relegate Afreximbank was made during an ongoing comprehensive debt restructuring. Ghana and Zambia have been negotiating with creditors for over a year in an attempt to resolve their sovereign debt crises.

    The two countries were complying with International Monetary Fund supported restructuring terms. Bilateral creditors were also demanding fair burden sharing with African multilateral banks.

    Afreximbank: not just another lender

    Ghana and Zambia don’t have a legal leg to stand on.

    Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status is not an informal privilege but derives from Article VX(1) of its founding agreement. The agreement has been signed and ratified by member states into national laws, including Ghana and Zambia.

    This status is further reinforced by the bank’s diplomatic immunities and privileges and its ability to operate across African jurisdictions under protected legal frameworks. The role of Afreximbank, therefore, goes beyond that of a traditional commercial bank.

    Preferred creditor status protects development finance institutions in a number of ways. The biggest protection is that lenders are prioritised for repayment. This protects their balance sheets, enabling them to continue lending when others cannot.

    A preferred creditor status is accorded for a reason. It is to ensure that development finance institutions can lend in times of distress with confidence, on the guarantee that they will be repaid ahead of other creditors. Country actions that violate this principle disrupt the implicit covenant that enables counter-cyclical financing. This is breaking the financial lifeline that countries might need when nobody else is willing to help them. This is precisely the kind of support that Ghana and Zambia relied on during their respective debt crises in December 2022 and October 2020, respectively.

    A bank that has consistently stepped up

    It is worth recalling that during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2021) and again when global markets closed access to Eurobond issuances for African countries, investors didn’t want to lend African countries for fear of defaulting. Afreximbank was one of the few institutions that continued to lend to African sovereigns. This included US$750 million to Ghana and US$45 million to Zambia.

    When Ghana, Zambia and other commodity export-dependent countries faced acute foreign currency shortages and tightening global liquidity caused by the 2015/16 commodity crisis of low prices, Afreximbank did not hesitate to deploy resources.

    Zambia has also benefited significantly from Afreximbank’s trade and development finance in energy, agriculture and healthcare. These are areas that many commercial banks view as too risky or low-margin.

    For Zambia and Ghana to classify Afreximbank in the same category as hedge funds, bondholders or purely commercial lenders, is ahistorical and unwarranted.

    Restructuring loans from Afreximbank risks inadvertently raising the cost of capital for African countries. If Afreximbank can no longer be shielded under preferred creditor status norms, it may be forced to adopt more conservative lending practices, charge higher risk premiums or retreat from high-risk markets altogether.

    The knock-on effect is reduced access to affordable, timely financing for countries that need it most.

    Afreximbank has rejected the idea that its loans ought to be restructured.

    Ghana and Zambia should correct course

    Ghana and Zambia still have an opportunity to correct course. They can reaffirm Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status, exclude it from restructuring tables meant for commercial creditors, and honour their legal commitments.

    In doing so, they would not only preserve their reputations as reliable debtors but also strengthen the broader fabric of African financial solidarity.

    African countries must be cognisant that no one else will build their institutions for them. If they do not defend and respect them, they cannot expect the rest of the world to do so. The credibility, sustainability and legitimacy of Africa’s financial independence depends, in large part, on how they treat the institutions they have built.

    The decision to treat Afreximbank and the Trade and Development Bank like commercial lenders is short-sighted and self-defeating. It must be reversed.

    – Ghana and Zambia have snubbed Africa’s leading development bank: why they should change course
    – https://theconversation.com/ghana-and-zambia-have-snubbed-africas-leading-development-bank-why-they-should-change-course-258467

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA creative sector generates revenue and job opportunities

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    SA creative sector generates revenue and job opportunities

    Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says the South African creative industry is a significant one that generates considerable revenue and provides employment to many.

    “The industry plays a vital role in the economy by contributing towards knowledge attainment, nation-building and cultural preservation,” Morolong said on Tuesday.

    Speaking at the book launch of Business by Grace, written by Zibusiso Mkhwanazi, Morolong said by publishing local literature and promoting cultural heritage, the sector contributes to the preservation and development of the South African culture of reading and writing.

    The book by Mkhwanazi – a South African advertising guru and entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings – is described as “not just a story of business success”. The Mkhwanazi Foundation says Business by Grace shows readers how to embrace lessons that come from building businesses in the face of hardship, and provides practical insights on turning vision into value.

    Morolong said the creative industry, including publishing and print media, is an important source of revenue and employment in South Africa.

    “The industry also acts as the central core of an entire network of related individuals and industries, such as paper manufacturers, educational institutions, ink producers, authors, printers, designers, book binders, illustrators, booksellers, distributors and CD manufacturers.

    “The importance of the creative industry in this new environment is greatly increased… as it is a source of information and knowledge, and a vehicle for political, social and cultural expression.”

    Morolong identified the sector as one that can and ought to help South Africans to overcome the many persistent challenges that confront society and the economy.

    “Our expectations of this sector are onerous. However, the history we are making is centred on growing the sector in the same way we have grown other sectors of our economy through inclusion, empowerment and unleashing the energies and talents of South Africans.”

    Morolong said a great deal has also been written to capture the defining features of post-apartheid South Africa, and the necessarily high cost of democratic transformation.

    “Demographic conditions such as high unemployment rates, the youthfulness of the population, uneven access to basic services, such as water and electricity, form part of the challenges that continue to confront the current government.

    “The process of change is by necessity also related to new policies that aim to facilitate comprehensive economic reforms, encapsulated in the many government policy frameworks and more recently in the National Development Plan Vision 2030.

    “These reforms have in general, been focused in two directions. In the first place, reforms are aimed at addressing the immense disparities in wealth and status in South African society and provide improved access to opportunities for employment and benefits to those negatively affected by apartheid policies,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    Edwin

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: Visit Any Disaster Recovery Center For In-Person FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Visit Any Disaster Recovery Center For In-Person FEMA Assistance

    Visit Any Disaster Recovery Center For In-Person FEMA Assistance

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –If you are a Kentucky survivor who experienced loss as the result of the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from May 16-17, 2025, you do not have to go to a Disaster Recovery Center in your own county

    You can receive in-person FEMA assistance at any center

     No appointment is needed

    To find all Disaster Recovery Center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

    Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops where you can get information and advice on available assistance from state, federal and community organizations

     You can get help to apply for FEMA assistance, learn the status of your FEMA application, understand the letters you get from FEMA and get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance

    The U

    S

    Small Business Administration representatives and resources from the Commonwealth are also available at the Disaster Recovery Centers to assist you

    FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the May tornadoes to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply is July 23

    You don’t have to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    There are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    When you apply, you will need to provide:A current phone number where you can be contacted

    Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

     If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

    For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4875

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

     
    martyce

    allenjr
    Wed, 06/11/2025 – 12:06

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS (THROUGH MAY 2025)

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS (THROUGH MAY 2025)

    Posted on Jun 10, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

     

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    DENISE P. BALANAY

    SENIOR HEARINGS OFFICER

    DCCA DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

    (Through May 2025)

     

    June 10, 2025

    HONOLULU – The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and its respective state Boards and Commissions released a summary of disciplinary actions through the month of May 2025, taken on individuals and entities with professional and vocational licenses in Hawai‘i. These disciplinary actions include dispositions based upon either the results of contested case hearings or settlement agreements submitted by the parties. Respondents enter into settlement agreements as a compromise to claims and to conserve on the expenses of proceeding with an administrative hearing.

    The DCCA and the Boards and Commissions are responsible for ensuring those with professional and vocational licenses areperforming up to the standards prescribed by state law.

     

     

    Respondent:     Tricia Ann K.C. Mangubat fka Tricia Ann K. Castro

    Case Number:   ACC 2022-22-L

    Sanction:          Voluntary license surrender

    Effective Date:  3-14-25

     

    RICO alleges that Respondent plead guilty in the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii to Conspiracy to defraud the United States and Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, in potential violation of HRS §§ 436B-19(7), 436B-19(8), 436B-19(9), 436B-19(14), 466-9(b)(5), and 466-9(b)(8). (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

     

    Respondent:     Mali Bella Company, LLC dba Mali Bella Construction

    Case Number: CLB 2024-195-L Sanction:          License revocation

    Effective Date: 5-23-25

     

    RICO alleges that Respondent entered into a written contract to renovate and construct a home addition, failed to provide required disclosures, and failed to complete the project as agreed, in potential violation of HRS §§ 444-17(11) and 444-25.5.(Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

    Respondent:     Mali Bella Company, LLC dba Mali Bella Construction

    Case Number: CLB 2024-381-L Sanction:          License revocation

    Effective Date: 5-23-25

     

    RICO alleges that Respondent entered into a written contract to renovate a home and failed to provide required disclosures, in potential violation of HRS §§ 444-17(12) and 444-25.5(b)(1), and HAR §§ 16-77-80(a)(3), 16-77-80(a)(5), 16-77-80(a)(6), and 16-77-80(a)(7). (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

    Respondent:     David P. Luedtke

    Case Number: CLB 2024-195-L Sanction:          License revocation

    Effective Date: 5-23-25

     

    RICO alleges that Respondent was the principal RME of Mali Bella Construction (MBC), that MBC entered into a written contract to renovate and construct a home addition, and that MBC failed to provide required disclosures, in potential violation of HRS §§ 444-17(12) and 444-25.5, and HAR § 16-77-71(a). (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

    Respondent:     David P. Luedtke

    Case Number: CLB 2024-381-L Sanction:          License revocation

    Effective Date: 5-23-25

     

    RICO alleges that Respondent was the principal RME of Mali Bella Construction (MBC), that MBC entered into a written contract to renovate a home, and that MBC failed to provide required disclosures, in potential violation of HRS §§ 444-17(12) and 444-25.5, and HAR § 16-77-71(a). (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

    REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

     

    Respondent:     Leeann Starinieri

    Case Number:   REC 2023-461-L

    Sanction:          $1,500 fine, comply with ADLR terms, continue counseling, substance abuse assessment

    Effective Date: 5-30-25

    RICO alleges that on November 7, 2023, Respondent pled no contest to Reckless Driving in the District Court of the Fifth Circuit, Respondent’s driver’s license was administratively forfeited for four years, and that Respondent wrote a letter to RICO stating she quit drinking alcohol and was in counseling, in potential violation of HRS § 436B-19(12). (Commission approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

    Respondent:     Stephen T. Wells

    Case Number:   REC 2025-115-L

    Sanction:          1-year license suspension, 2-year license probation, education course

    Effective Date: 5-30-25

    RICO alleges that on February 27, 2025, Respondent was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the State of Hawaii for Health Care Fraud, in potential violation of HRS §§ 436B-19(6) and 436B-19(12). (Commission approved Settlement Agreement.)

     

    Respondents:  Hale Nani Realty LLC and Mon-Jiuan Ide

    Case Number:   REC 2024-503-L

    Sanction:          $15,000 fine

    Effective Date: 5-30-25

     

    RICO alleges that it received a referral alleging Respondents’ licenses were inactive since January 1, 2023, due to Respondent Ide, principal broker for Hale Nani Realty LLC, having insufficient continuing education credits, that Respondent Hale Nani Realty LLC’s license was inactive from January 1, 2023 through December 2, 2024, and that Respondent Ide’s license was inactive from January 1, 2023 through November 8, 2024, in potential violation of HRS § 467-7. (Commission approved Settlement Agreement.)

    Respondents:  Iridescent Productions LLC dba Turquoise Hawaii Real Estate and Rebecca Brooke Corby dba Rebecca Corby

    Case Number:   REC 2022-410-L

    Sanction:          $400 fine

    Effective Date: 5-30-25

    The Commission adopted the Hearings Officer’s recommended decision and found and concluded that Respondent violated HRS §§ 436B-19(16) and 436B-19(17). (Commission’s Final Order after contested case hearing.)

    BusinessCheck is an online platform designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for researching licensed professionals. This tool empowers users to verify licenses, review complaint histories and discover when a business was established, all in one place. Please visit businesscheck.hawaii.gov to verify a professional’s license status, confirming their qualifications, compliance with regulations and accountability to a governing body.

     

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Communications Office

    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    Phone: 808-586-2760

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Capital Releases Investor Presentation Highlighting Plan to Make MediPharm Labs the World’s Leading International Medical Cannabis Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital”), which together with its affiliates and associates collectively is one of the largest shareholders of MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm”, “MediPharm Labs”, or the “Company”), owning approximately 3% of the Company’s common stock, today issued a presentation to set forth their ambitious plan to grow your investment and help turn MediPharm around.

       
    • Outlines Commitment to Immediately and Aggressively Execute on Action Plan to 10X+ Share Price and Create Value for All Shareholders
    • Details Specific and Measurable Initiatives to Save MediPharm Labs from Insolvency at the Hands of Greedy, Reckless, and Maligned Leaders
    • Sets Forth Plan to Stop Exorbitant Executive Compensation Pay-for-Failure and End 3 Years of Value Destructive Actions
     
       

    THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW. VOTE THE GOLD CARD TODAY.

    SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO PROTECT THEIR INVESTMENT BY VOTING THE GOLD PROXY CARD “FOR” APOLLO CAPITAL’S SIX HIGHLY-QUALIFIED DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND DISREGARD MEDIPHARM LABS’ GREEN PROXY CARD.

    TOGETHER LET’S SAVE MEDIPHARM AND DELIVER THE VALUE THAT SHAREHOLDERS DESERVE.

    View the Presentation at https://www.curemedipharm.com/historical-filing/investor-presentation.

    For more information on our detailed value creation plan and instructions on how to vote, please see our website www.curemedipharm.com.

    Contacts

    For Shareholders:
    Carson Proxy
    North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
    Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
    E: info@carsonproxy.com

    For Media:
    media@curemedipharm.com

    This solicitation is being made by and on behalf of Apollo Capital, who, as of the date of this Circular, beneficially owns or controls, directly and indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nobul Technologies Inc., 12,491,500 common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”), representing approximately 3% of the total Common Shares issued and outstanding, and not by the management of the Company.

    Legal Disclosures

    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

    In connection with the annual general and special meeting (the “Annual Meeting”) of shareholders of MediPharm, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular dated May 15, 2025 (the “Circular”), as amended and supplemented by an addendum to the Circular subsequently filed by Apollo Capital and Patrick McCutcheon (together, the “Concerned Stakeholder”) dated June 4, 2025 (the “Addendum” and together with the Circular, the “Amended Circular”), each in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. The Concerned Stakeholder has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Amended Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Amended Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of the Concerned Stakeholder’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Amended Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE AMENDED CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and other relevant documents by contacting the Concerned Stakeholder’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com. Finally, the Amended Circular is available on this website https://www.curemedipharm.com/historical-filing/investor-flyer.

    Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

    The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by the Concerned Stakeholder and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

    This press release and any solicitation made by the Concerned Stakeholder is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of the Concerned Stakeholder who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, the Concerned Stakeholder may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

    Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Concerned Stakeholder for the Annual Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee from Apollo Capital not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide the Concerned Stakeholder with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive, from Apollo Capital, a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that the Concerned Stakeholder’s nominees make up a majority of the board of directors of MediPharm (the “Board”) following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

    No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors and the election of directors to the Board.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of the Concerned Stakeholder and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and the Concerned Stakeholder disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which the Concerned Stakeholder hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

    Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kyrgyzstan approves National Development Program for the Country until 2030

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BISHKEK, June 11 /Xinhua/ — Kyrgyzstan has approved the National Development Program for the country until 2030. The corresponding decree was signed by President Sadyr Japarov, the press service of the country’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce reported on Tuesday.

    “The program was approved in order to continue the course of large-scale reforms and ensure the country’s sustainable development in the context of new global and regional challenges,” the statement said.

    As noted, the program is a strategic document aimed at improving the well-being of citizens, achieving inclusive economic growth and ensuring social justice.

    The key targets of the program are as follows: increasing GDP per capita to USD 4,500, maintaining GDP at a level of at least USD 30 billion, and the average annual GDP growth rate at 8%, the country’s entry into the top 30 countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, improving the country’s ranking in the Human Development Index by 10 positions, maintaining unemployment at a level of no more than 5%, the volume of investment in fixed capital to GDP in 2030 should be at least 20%, and the size of the state external debt should be maintained at a level of up to 60% of GDP.

    The program focuses on four strategic development vectors: industrialization, agriculture and tourism, green energy, and turning Kyrgyzstan into a regional hub.

    The program also provides for reform of public administration and strategic planning, digitalization of the economy and services, development of human capital, support for small and medium-sized businesses, ensuring macroeconomic stability, measures for adaptation to climate change and increasing the resilience of ecosystems. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Vice Premier Calls on US to Resolve Trade Disputes with China Through Dialogue and Cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    LONDON, June 11 (Xinhua) — The United States should resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and win-win cooperation, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said at the first meeting of the China-U.S. Economic and Trade Consultations Mechanism held in London from Monday to Tuesday.

    The Chinese side reaffirms that the United States should work with China to match its words with deeds, demonstrate sincerity in fulfilling commitments and concrete efforts to implement consensus, so as to jointly uphold the hard-won results of the dialogue, he said.

    During the talks, both sides held frank and in-depth talks and exchanged views on trade and economic issues of mutual interest.

    The two sides reached an agreement in principle to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their telephone conversation on June 5 and the framework measures to consolidate the results of the trade and economic negotiations in Geneva, and made new progress in finding approaches to each other’s trade and economic concerns.

    Calling the meeting an important consultation held under the guidance of the strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state on June 5, He Lifeng said Beijing’s position on China-US economic and trade issues is clear and consistent.

    Noting that the essence of China-US trade and economic relations lies in mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, the vice premier said that cooperation between Beijing and Washington in trade and economic spheres is beneficial to both sides, while confrontation is detrimental to both sides.

    There are no winners in trade wars, he said, adding that China does not seek conflict but is not afraid of it either.

    He called on the United States to resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and win-win cooperation, adding that while China sincerely holds trade and economic consultations, it also has its own principles.

    Next, the two sides should, in accordance with the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during the phone call, make better use of the China-US trade consultation mechanism and make efforts to strengthen consensus, reduce misunderstandings and enhance cooperation, he said.

    The two sides should maintain communication and consultation and promote stable and sustainable growth of economic and trade relations so as to bring more certainty and stability to the world economy, He Lifeng added.

    The US side said the meeting achieved positive results and further stabilized bilateral trade and economic relations, adding that Washington will follow the same direction as Beijing to jointly implement the consensus reached at the meeting.

    The American side was represented at the meeting by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamison Greer. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Russian Universities Launch Curriculums in Behavioural Economics and Economic Psychology

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    Master’s programs, as well as research tracks, online courses, and continuing education programs will start this fall. Graduates will build models and predict people’s economic behavior taking into account the influence of cognitive biases, and assess the risks of business decisions or regulatory initiatives.

    The pilot project is being carried out by the Bank of Russia, the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, the Ministry of Finance of Russia and Rosfinmonitoring. Six leading Russian universities have joined it: Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, the National Research University Higher School of Economics, the New Economic School, St. Petersburg State University and Tomsk State University.

    “The trick of this project is its diversity: the pilot participants are different, the formats are different, and the approaches are different too. Already in the process, in practice, we will understand what is most in demand among both students and employers. We want a strong scientific school of behavioral economics to emerge as a result, so that a community of specialists in this field will appear, where those who research and those who need this research will interact,” said Mikhail Mamuta, Head of the Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Ensuring the Availability of Financial Services of the Bank of Russia.

    Representatives of the largest banks, financial companies and marketplaces, relevant ministries and departments took part in the discussion of educational programs. Companies are ready to assist in training personnel, accept students for internships, go to universities and analyze real situations of relationships between organizations and consumers.

    The pilot was created to work out the interaction between educational institutions and employers. Based on its results, a decision will be made on how and in what format to develop this project in the higher education system.

    Preview photo: Lightspring / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 24703

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Council to Hold its Fifty-Ninth Regular Session from 16 June to 9 July 2025

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold its fifty-ninth regular session from 16 June to 9 July 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. 

    The session will open at 10 a.m. on Monday, 16 June under the presidency of Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland.  The opening will be addressed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who will present his annual report.  The Council will be meeting in room XX of the Palais des Nations.

    Over almost four weeks, the Council will consider more than 60 reports presented by the Secretariat of the United Nations and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, human rights experts and other investigative bodies on numerous topics and relevant to the situation of human rights in more than 40 countries.  In total, the Council will hold 32 interactive dialogues. 

    During the session, the Council will hold interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner on his annual report under agenda item two; on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela under agenda item four; and on Ukraine and Colombia under agenda item 10. 

    The Council will hold enhanced interactive dialogues under agenda item two with  the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and on the oral update of the Fact-Finding Mission on the human rights situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Under agenda item four, the Council will hold an enhanced interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, with the participation of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.

    On climate change, the Council will hold its annual panel on the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on climate change. The Council will also hold its annual panel on technical cooperation and capacity-building. 

    Under agenda item three, the Council will hold its annual panel discussion on women’s rights, and a panel on safe drinking water and sanitation.  It will also hold interactive dialogues on summary executions, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, transnational corporations, education, health, leprosy (Hansen’s disease), sexual orientation and gender identity, migrants, internally displaced persons, prevention of genocide, trafficking, extreme poverty, discrimination against women and girls, violence against women and girls, judges and lawyers, and international solidarity.   

    The Council will also hear the presentation of the Secretary-General’s interim report on the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, under agenda item 10. Further, it will hold interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea and the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel, under agenda item two; and with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi under agenda item four. The Council will also hear oral updates from the Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan under agenda item two and from the Commission of Inquiry on Syria under agenda item four. 

    Additionally, the Council will hold interactive dialogues under agenda item seven with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, and under agenda item nine with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.  Under agenda item 10, it will hold an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic. 

    The final outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of 14 States will also be considered, namely those of Italy, El Salvador, Gambia, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Fiji, San Marino, Kazakhstan, Angola, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Madagascar, Iraq, Slovenia, Egypt, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    A detailed agenda and further information on the fifty-ninth session can be found on the session’s web page.  Reports to be presented are available here. All meetings of this session are broadcast on UN Web TV

    First Week of the Session

    The fifty-ninth regular session will open on Monday, 16 June under the presidency of Ambassador Jürg Lauber. After the opening, the Council will begin considerations under agenda item two, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, will present his annual report.  Subsequently, the Council will hold an enhanced interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea. This will be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Fact-Finding Mission on the human rights situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    On Tuesday, 17 June, the Council will hold an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s annual report, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel.  At the end of the day, it will hear the presentation of an oral update by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan. 

    On Wednesday, 18 June, the Council will commence discussions under agenda item three on the promotion and protection of all human rights, holding interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, which will conclude on Thursday, 19 June. This will be followed by interactive dialogues with the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, and the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. 

    On Friday, 20 June, the Council will hold interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy (Hansen’s disease) and their family members, the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons. 

    Second Week of the Session

    In its second week, the Council will conclude its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons on Monday, 23 June.  It will then hold interactive dialogues with the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights.

    The Council will start Tuesday, 24 June, with the first part of its annual discussion on women’s rights, focusing on gender-based violence against women and girls in conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings.  This will be followed by an interactive dialogue with the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls.  In the afternoon, the second part of the annual discussion on women’s rights will be held, focusing on the commemoration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy and on overcoming barriers to women’s leadership in peace processes.

    On Wednesday, 25 June, the Council will hold interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, and the Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity. 

    The Council will start Thursday, 26 June, with a panel discussion on the realisation of the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, followed by the presentation of reports under agenda item three.  In the afternoon, it will start its consideration of reports under agenda item four on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, hearing the presentation of an oral update by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, followed by interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, and on the oral update of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi. 

    On Friday, 27 June, the Council will hold an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, and the oral update of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.  This will be followed by an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and the presentation of the High Commissioner’s oral update on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua.

    Third Week of the Session

    The Council will begin its third week on Monday, 30 June, with its annual panel discussion on the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights, focusing on facilitating just transitions in the context of addressing the impacts of climate change on human rights.  This will be followed by an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.  It will then hear the presentation of the report of the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises on the thirteenth session of the Forum on Business and Human Rights under agenda item five on human rights bodies and mechanisms.

    The Council will next start its consideration under item six of the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of Italy, El Salvador, Gambia, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Fiji, San Marino, Kazakhstan, Angola, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Madagascar, Iraq, Slovenia, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will conclude at the end of the day on Wednesday, 2 July. 

    On Thursday, 3 July, the Council will hold an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, under agenda item seven on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.  This will be followed by an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, under agenda item nine on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance. 

    In the afternoon, the Council will begin discussions under item 10 on technical assistance and capacity-building, with interactive dialogues on the oral presentation of the High Commissioner regarding his Office’s periodic report on the situation of human rights in Ukraine, and on the interim report of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine.  This will be followed by an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the enhancement of technical assistance and capacity-building to assist Colombia in the implementation of the recommendations made by the Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Coexistence and Non-Repetition. 

    On Friday, 4 July, the Council will hold its annual panel discussion on technical cooperation and capacity-building, focusing on the role of technical cooperation and capacity-building in strengthening national structures which play a role in promoting and safeguarding human rights, particularly national human rights institutions and national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up. 

    This will be followed by an interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic.

    In the afternoon, the Council will hear the presentation of the report of the High Commissioner relating to cooperation with Georgia.  It will then start taking action on draft resolutions and decisions. 

    Fourth Week of the Session

    The final week of the Council will be devoted to taking action on draft resolutions and decisions and the appointment of a member of the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development and a member of the Working Group on arbitrary detention.  The session will conclude on Wednesday, 9 July.

    The Human Rights Council

    The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, made up of 47 States, which is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.  The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 March 2006 with the main purpose of addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them.

    The composition of the Human Rights Council at its fifty-ninth session is as follows: Albania (2026); Algeria (2025); Bangladesh (2025); Belgium (2025); Benin (2027); Bolivia (2027); Brazil (2026); Bulgaria (2026); Burundi (2026); Chile (2025); China (2026); Colombia (2027); Costa Rica (2025); Côte d’Ivoire (2026); Cuba (2026); Cyprus (2027); Czechia (2027); Democratic Republic of the Congo (2027); Dominican Republic (2026); Ethiopia (2027); France (2026); Gambia (2027); Georgia (2025); Germany (2025); Ghana (2026); Iceland (2027); Indonesia (2026); Japan (2026); Kenya (2027); Kuwait (2026); Kyrgyzstan (2025); Malawi (2026); Maldives (2025); Marshall Islands (2027); Mexico (2027); Morocco (2025); Netherlands (2026); North Macedonia (2027); Qatar (2027); Republic of Korea (2027); Romania (2025); South Africa (2025); Spain (2027); Sudan (2025); Switzerland (2027); Thailand (2027); and Viet Nam (2025).

    The term of membership of each State expires in the year indicated in parentheses.

    The President of the Human Rights Council in 2025 is Jürg Lauber (Switzerland).  The four Vice-Presidents are Tareq Md Ariful Islam (Bangladesh), Razvan Rusu (Romania), Claudia Puentes Julio (Chile), and Paul Empole Losoko Efambe (Democratic Republic of the Congo).  Mr. Efambe also serves as Rapporteur of the Geneva-based body. 

    The dates and venue of the fifty-ninth session are subject to change.

    Information on the fifty-ninth session can be found here, including the annotated agenda and the reports to be presented.

    For further information, please contact Pascal Sim (simp@un.org), Matthew Brown (matthew.brown@un.org) and David Díaz Martín (david.diazmartin@un.org)

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    HRC25.006E

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • Piyush Goyal concludes successful visit to Switzerland, begins economic diplomacy in Sweden

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a two-day official visit to Switzerland from June 9 to 10, and has commenced the Sweden leg of his European tour aimed at strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation-driven partnerships.

    The Switzerland visit focused on advancing India-Switzerland economic cooperation and operationalising the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) signed earlier this year between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Goyal held high-level meetings with Swiss government officials and industry leaders to chart a roadmap for TEPA implementation and explore new opportunities for trade and investment.

    During the visit, Goyal met with Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, and State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda. Discussions centred on regulatory cooperation, skills development, innovation partnerships, and measures to facilitate faster investment decision-making.

    The minister also engaged with Swiss industry leaders across sectors including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, precision engineering, defence, and emerging technologies. In sectoral roundtables and bilateral meetings, Goyal highlighted India’s growing economic strength, policy stability, infrastructure expansion, and the government’s efforts to create a conducive ecosystem for global investors. Swiss companies welcomed India’s expanding domestic market and policy reforms, viewing the country as a key destination for growth and manufacturing.

    A key highlight was Goyal’s participation at the 18th Swissmem Industry Day held in Zurich, attended by over 1,000 delegates representing Switzerland’s mechanical, electrical, and metal industries. In his keynote address, the minister invited Swiss companies, including SMEs and deep-tech innovators, to scale up investments in India by leveraging TEPA. He emphasised India’s demographic advantage, engineering talent, and robust supply chains, encouraging Swiss industry to anchor research and development, establish manufacturing bases, and co-create technologies for emerging markets.

    An immediate outcome of the visit was the swift resolution of a facilitation request from Endress+Hauser, a global process automation firm with a presence in India. The company had raised concerns about land availability near its Maharashtra facility. The issue was resolved within hours through coordinated efforts by the minister and Indian authorities, demonstrating the government’s commitment to investor-friendly governance.

    Goyal also held one-on-one meetings with several Swiss companies exploring expansion strategies, localisation, talent development, and MSME linkages. Interest was especially strong in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, clean technology, and healthcare innovation.

    The minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation from Indian industry bodies including ASSOCHAM, CII, and FICCI, reflecting a whole-of-government and whole-of-industry approach to economic diplomacy. In a meeting with the Switzerland chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Goyal appreciated their contribution to enhancing India’s reputation for financial excellence.

    The visit concluded on a note of shared optimism, with Swiss stakeholders reaffirming confidence in India’s rise as a global economic powerhouse and welcoming the government’s collaborative and reform-oriented approach.

    Moving on to Sweden, Goyal will co-chair the 21st session of the Indo-Swedish Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial and Scientific Cooperation with Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa.

    He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Benjamin Dousa and Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary to the Minister of Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. These discussions aim to reinforce the strong economic relationship and identify new opportunities aligned with India’s long-term economic objectives.

    Key engagements will include an India-Sweden business leaders’ round table and meetings with leading Swedish companies such as Ericsson, Volvo Group, IKEA, Sandvik, Alfa Laval, and SAAB. The discussions will focus on sectors where Sweden excels, including advanced manufacturing, green technologies, and sustainable solutions.

    Goyal will also meet members of the Indian diaspora and address media interactions to strengthen people-to-people ties and communicate India’s vision for the bilateral partnership.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by Dr the Hon Dennis Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):
     
    Question:

    At present, the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) adopt a “2+3+3” year mode of stay. It is learnt that earlier this year, some of those who were admitted to Hong Kong for employment through IANG (e.g. those whose employment contracts were about to expire) were unable to obtain three-year visa renewals smoothly when extending their stay. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the respective numbers of first applications for IANG and applications for extension of stay under IANG received, approved and rejected by the Immigration Department (ImmD), as well as the number of persons who were admitted to Hong Kong as dependants under IANG in the past three years;

    (2) of the following information on the full-time employment of the persons who have been granted IANG visas and their dependants mentioned in (1): (i) the major industries and job types in which they are engaged, and (ii) the highest, lowest and median amounts of monthly salaries;

    (3) whether it has assessed the long-term effectiveness of IANG in attracting and retaining talent; if it has assessed, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (4) whether ImmD has made any adjustment to the vetting and approval of applications for extension of stay by IANG visa holders at present; if so, of the details; if not, why some IANG visa holders have relayed that their applications for extension of stay have only been granted for a few months; and

    (5) whether it has considered providing transitional support (e.g. arranging short-term accommodation and setting up a dedicated recruitment website, etc) for persons who have just been granted IANG visas in the future, so as to assist them in adapting the live in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

    Applicants who are/were non-local students and have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited programme in Hong Kong may apply to stay/return and work in Hong Kong under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG). The Government has extended the IANG on a pilot basis to cover graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from Hong Kong universities’ campuses in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

    After consultation with the Immigration Department and the Labour and Welfare Bureau, our consolidated replies to Dr the Hon Dennis Lam’s questions are as follows: 

    (1) The numbers of applications received, approved and refused under the IANG in the past three years are tabulated below:  
     

    Type of Applications 2022 2023 2024
    New applications Number of applications received 10 936 27 295 26 973
    Number of applications approved 10 391 26 089 25 475
    Number of applications refused 21 16 24
    Extension of stay applications Number of applications received 11 032 11 637 6 985
    Number of applications approved 10 619 11 189 6 592
    Number of applications refused 6 20 53
    Dependant application Number of applications approved 1 851 4 702 6 600

    Note: Applications approved/refused in a year may not all be received in the same year.

    (2) At present, over 90 per cent of those coming to or staying in Hong Kong under the IANG are fresh graduates. They are not required to have secured offers of employment in Hong Kong upon application. However, when applying for an extension of stay, they are required to have taken up employment in Hong Kong that are at the levels commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration packages are on par with the market level. For those who have established or joined in business in Hong Kong, they are required to produce proof of their business upon application for an extension of stay.

    The breakdown of the numbers of approved applications for an extension of stay under the IANG by industry/sector is tabulated below:
     

    Industry/sector 2022 2023 2024
    Financial services 4 298 4 338 2 834
    Academic research and education 1 407 1 873 863
    Commerce and trade 1 611 1 312 818
    Information technology 495 477 241
    Telecommunications 209 351 194
    Engineering and construction 211 264 173
    Legal services 164 196 111
    Medical and healthcare services 124 136 104
    Architecture/Surveying 97 112 60
    Manufacturing industries 29 70 52
    Tourism 25 47 39
    Catering services 34 41 24
    Arts/Culture 46 49 20
    Recreation and sports 26 21 14
    Traditional Chinese medicine 8 16 10
    Biotechnology 32 40 8
    Others 1 803 1 846 1 027
    Total 10 619 11 189 6 592

    The Immigration Department does not maintain other breakdowns of statistics mentioned in the question. 

    (3) Since its launch in 2008, the IANG has received positive response and helped Hong Kong attract and retain talent as well as expanding the talent pool. As at the end of April 2025, a total of 177 567 applications have been received. Among them, 172 043 applications have been approved, with over 90 per cent being recent non-local graduates and 2 825 applications coming from the graduates of the GBA campuses of Hong Kong universities. The statistics on entrants admitted to Hong Kong under the IANG who eventually acquired the right of abode in the past five years are tabulated as follows: 
     

    Admission policy/scheme 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
    IANG 3 117 3 449 3 495 4 441 4 128

    Note: The figures are based on the applicants’ status in Hong Kong at the time of application for the right of abode.

    With the development of the GBA, it has become a trend for Hong Kong universities to set up campuses in Mainland cities of the GBA through joint ventures, and their graduates will become an important source of talent in the GBA. Starting from the end of 2022, the Government has extended the IANG on a pilot basis to cover graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from Hong Kong universities’ campuses in Mainland cities of the GBA, so as to attract outstanding talent from these institutions to come to Hong Kong for employment and further boost Hong Kong’s human resources and competitiveness. The Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address 2024 to extend the pilot arrangement for two years. This measure not only fosters the exchange of talents in the GBA, but also meets the needs of economic development in the GBA. We will continue to monitor the implementation of the IANG, particularly the response to the inclusion of graduates of Hong Kong universities’ GBA campuses under the IANG, and review its effectiveness in due course.

    (4) Upon applying for an extension of stay by persons admitted under the IANG, non-local graduates/GBA campus graduates are required to have taken up employment in Hong Kong which is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is at the market level. For those who have established or joined in a business in Hong Kong, they are required to produce proof of their business. When assessing an application for an extension of stay, various factors related to the applicant’s employment or business conditions will be considered, including but not limited to the remuneration package or the operation and development of the business, the economic benefits brought by the employment or business, and the duration of stay in Hong Kong, etc. Successful applicants will normally be granted an extension of stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay for not more than three years, or until the expiry of their employment contract in Hong Kong, whichever is the shorter. For those who have established or joined in a business in Hong Kong, the length of their extension of stay to be granted will be determined based on the comprehensive consideration of the operating conditions of the relevant business.

    (5) Since its establishment on October 30, 2023, the Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) has been providing comprehensive one-stop support to talents coming to or staying in Hong Kong under various talent admission schemes (including the IANG) through both online and offline means. Apart from providing comprehensive information on living and working in Hong Kong as well as handling enquiries from outside talent through its online platform (www.hkengage.gov.hk), the HKTE organises with working partners a variety of online and offline activities such as job fairs, themed seminars, workshops (including Cantonese learning classes) and social integration activities (including the Talent+ Volunteer Programme) to share information on entrepreneurship, employment as well as other living tips and to facilitate the incoming talent to settle in Hong Kong and integrate into the city as soon as possible. The online platform features about 5 000 real-time quality job opportunities daily for which talent can apply directly through the platform. Moreover, the online platform is connected to about 90 designated working partners of the HKTE to provide recommendations and services in areas such as job seeking, accommodation, education, integrated settlement, banking and insurance, business and corporate as well as networking and community, etc through online matching tools.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: S.A.M.E. EXPORT AWARDS GRANT- – 6th June 2025.

    Source:

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    Keynote Remarks: Hon. Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour

    Representatives from the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters, Representatives of the Media,

    Talofa Lava,

    It is an honor and a privilege to welcome our members from the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME) to witness the continuous commitment of our Government to Private Sector Development through the annual disbursement of the SAME Export Awards Grant.

    The main purpose of this grant and export awards initiative is to recognise the achievements and contributions of the manufacturing and export sector in Samoa’s economy, driving economic growth, employment creation, and international trade. In recent years, this special program was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the establishment of SAME’s Buy Samoa Made initiative in the past fiscal year 2023/24.

    However, the Export Awards remain an important initiative for the acknowledgement of local manufacturers and exporters. Therefore, the continuation of this initiative is a testament of the Government’s commitment to supporting and encouraging the development of the Manufacturing and Export Sector as reflected in its National Industry Development Policy & Strategy 2024/25 – 2034/35, and also aligned to the Key Priority Areas 8, 9 and 10 of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021/2022 – 2025/2026.

    We hope that this Grant will encourage manufacturers and exporters to strive for excellence, and reach new heights for Samoa in terms of productivity, trade and competitiveness in the global market. Your hard work and significant contribution to the development of Samoa’s economy

    does not go unnoticed. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deep appreciation to all our local manufacturers and exporters for all that you have done and continue to do for Samoa.

    I would also like to express my utmost gratitude to SAME for their continued support and dedication in strengthening the manufacturing and export sectors as vital engines of Samoa’s economic prosperity.

    Your devotion is seen through your endeavours to develop robust networks for members, advocacy work, as well as your efforts in facilitating this award. Without your collaboration and partnership, this initiative would not be possible.

    It is through such meaningful alliances that the Government is able to drive progress, empower local industries, and create lasting opportunities for our people. So let us continue to foster strong partnerships, celebrate excellence, and work together toward a thriving and resilient future for Samoa.

    Fa’afetai tele lava, and may we all be inspired to keep striving for excellence, and wishing our SAME all the best with preparations for the Exports Awards

    SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA!

    FESOASOANI MO LE FAALAPOTOPOTOGA A PISINISI GAOSI OLOA MA OLOA AUINA ATU I FAFO MO LE POLOKALAME O FAAILOGA MO OLOA AUINA ATU I FAFO (EXPORT AWARDS) 2025

    SAUNOAGA AUTU: Afioga Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo Minisita o Pisinisi, Alamanuia ma Leipa – 6 Iuni 2025

    Sui Peresitene – Faalapotopotoga a Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa Auina atu i Fafo Sui o Ofisa Faasalalau,

    Talofa Lava,

    Ua tatou potopoto mai i lenei aso, tatou te molimauina le fesoasoani faaauau a le tatou Malo mo Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa auina atu i fafo e tauala atu i le Polokalame Faailogaina mo Oloa auina atu i Fafo a le Faalapotopotoga o Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa auina atu i Fafo (SAME Export Awards).

    O le sini autu o lenei polokalame ina ia amanaia aloaia ma faailogaina le sao taua o Vaega ma Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa auina atu i Fafo i le tamaoaiga o Samoa, e ala atu i se fesoasoani tau tupe mai i le tatou Malo mo le tatou fa’alapotopotoga nei .

    O lenei fesoasoani e le i mafai ona faataunuuina i tausaga ua mavae ona o le faamai o le Koviti19, fa’apea tapenaga o le Polokalame a le SAME ua taua o le ‘Faatau Oloa Samoa’ mo le tausaga faaletupe ua mavae, 2023/24.

    O le naunautaiga a le Malo ina ia faamalosi’au ma lagolago le atina’eina o Pisinisi Maoti tau Gaosi Oloa ma le Auina atu i Fafo ina ia ausia ni isi tulaga maualuga ma lelei mo Samoa e ala lea i le fa’aauau pea o lenei Fesoasoani.

    E o gatasi lenei fesoasoani ma le Faiga Faavae mo le Atina’eina o Alamanuia i Samoa 2024/25-2033/34 o lo o fa’atautaia e le Matagaluega, ma o lo o feso’ota’i uma i lalo o Vaega Fa’amuamua 8, 9 ma le 10 o le Ta’iala mo le Lumana’i Manuia o Samoa 2021/2022 – 2025/2026.

    A o le’i fa’ai’u se fa’amatalaga, e momoli atu le faamalō ma le faafetai i a tatou Pisinisi gaosi oloa ma pisinisi o loo auina atu i fafo a latou oloa mo lo outou sao tāua i le atina’eina o le Vaega Maoti faapea

    foi le tamāoā’iga o Samoa, e ala i le faatupulaia ai pea o avanoa mo le fa’afaigaluegaina o tatou tagata, le faatupulaia o a tatou fefaatauaiga ma isi atunuu o le lalolagi ma le manuia lautele o si o tatou atunuu.

    E le tau fesiligia le tele o lo outou tautigā ma lo outou sao mo Samoa, o lea e momoli atu ai le agaga faafetai tele mo a outou taumafaiga mo se lumanai manuia o lo tatou atunuu.

    E momoli atu foi le faafetai tele i le Faalapotopotoga o Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa Auina atu i Fafo.

    O lo outou ta’imua i le lagolagoina ma le una’ia o Pisinisi taitasi Gaosi Oloa ma le Auina atu i Fafo mo le atina’eina o Samoa, o lo o molimauina i a outou taumafaiga ma galuega fa’afaufautua, faatasi ai ma le fa’afoeina o le polokalame mo le amanaia o nei Pisinisi e tauala atu i lalo o lenei Fesoasoani.

    O la outou lagolagosua ma le faigapa’aga ua mafai ai ona fa’ataunu’uina lenei fa’amoemoe.

    E talitonu o le a fa’aauau pea le tatou faiga faapa’aga ma tatou galulue soosoo tauau mo le agai i luma o le atina’eina o le tamaoaiga ma se lumanai manuia o Samoa ma ona tagata lautele.

    Ia manuia a outou tapenaga mo lenei faamoemoe.

    SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA!

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ17: Combat fraudulent calls and SMS messages

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ17: Combat fraudulent calls and SMS messages 
    Question:
     
         Many members of the public have relayed to me about the increasing number of fraudulent calls, as well as fraudulent SMS messages sent via instant messaging applications (e.g. WhatsApp) and phones in recent years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as it is learnt that many members of the public have been repeatedly added to suspected fraudulent groups on instant messaging applications by unknown accounts, many of which are registered with overseas phone numbers, and that these groups use “like-and-earn-rewards” and “stock investments”, etc as bait, of the number of reports received by the Police from members of the public in the past year, the total amount of money defrauded, and the number of arrests made; what targeted measures are in place by the authorities to combat fraud by such groups;
     
    (2) as it is learnt that many fraudsters have hacked into the instant messaging application accounts of members of the public to request money and virtual point card top-ups from their contacts, of the number of reports received by the Police from members of the public in the past year, the total amount of money defrauded, and the number of arrests made; whether the authorities have analysed which insecure practices when using such applications increase the risk of account hacking, and what targeted measures are in place to combat such account hacking by fraudsters;
     
    (3) as it is learnt that fraudsters falsely pretending to be the official platforms of government departments and organisations, banks, telecommunications service providers or neighbours via mobile phone SMS messages to commit fraud has become increasingly prevalent, of the number of reports received by the Police from members of the public in the past year, the total amount of money defrauded, and the number of arrests made; what respective follow-up actions the authorities have taken regarding fraudulent SMS messages sent from local and overseas sources; the average time required for the authorities to block the phone numbers concerned after such phone numbers are confirmed to be involved in fraud; and
     
    (4) as many members of the public have relayed that they have frequently received repeated promotional calls containing fraudulent content, causing them nuisance and indicating a worsening trend, whether the authorities will review if the existing legislation governing such calls is inadequate; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Deception is a serious crime. Any person who commits the offence of “fraud” under section 16A of the Theft Ordinance (Cap. 210) is liable to imprisonment for up to 14 years, while any person charged with “obtaining property by deception” under section 17 of the same Ordinance is liable to imprisonment for up to 10 years. In addition, any person charged with “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offence” under section 25 of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 455) for proceeds of deception is liable to maximum penalties of 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $5 million. Regardless of whether it is committed through telephone, messaging applications or other methods, the Government of the Special Administrative Region will take stern enforcement actions as long as there are illegal activities involved. With the global trend of Internet proliferation, many countries and regions have seen a significant increase in fraud cases in recent years. The Police will continue to combat all types of frauds and to enhance public awareness in full force through enhanced law enforcement measures, publicity and education, multi-agency co-operation, intelligence analysis as well as cross-boundary collaboration.
     
         In consultation with the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Police, the reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
     
    (1)  “Stock investment” scams mentioned in the question involve fraudsters using online social media platforms, discussion forums, or instant messaging apps to lure victims into participating in fake investment schemes by promising “low risk, high returns”. The Police classify such scams as “online investment fraud”. In 2024, there were a total of 3 930 cases, involving approximately $2.26 billion in losses; in the first four months of 2025, there were 1 534 cases, involving approximately $1.02 billion.
     
         As for “like-and-earn-rewards” scams mentioned in the question, they involve fraudsters using online social media platforms to recruit victims to register as “like clickers”. The scammers claim that victims can earn rewards by paying a “deposit” and then clicking “like” on a designated social media platform; the more deposit paid, the higher the reward per “like”. However, this is in fact a scheme to defraud victims of their deposits. The Police classify such scams as “online employment fraud”. In 2024, there were 3 853 reported cases, with total losses amounting to approximately $800 million; in the first four months of 2025, there were 1 515 cases, involving approximately $340 million.
     
         The Police do not maintain any breakdown of arrested person by types of deception.
     
         In combatting such fraudulent activities, the Police have taken measures in law enforcement, cross-border collaboration, and public education. Since most fraud cases in Hong Kong currently use stooge accounts to receive payments, cracking down on stooge accounts is an effective method to combat the fraud industry chain. In 2024, the Police arrested a total of 10 496 individuals involved in various types of fraud and money laundering offences; in the first four months of 2025, a total of 2 532 individuals were arrested, approximately 70 per cent of which were holders of stooge accounts. Since the end of 2023, the Police have also applied to the court to invoke Section 27 of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance to impose heavier penalties in cases involving stooge accounts, thereby enhancing deterrence.
     
         In terms of cross-border collaboration, the Hong Kong Police Force recently joined hands with the Police forces of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, Korea, and Thailand, conducted the first joint operation of the Cross-border Anti-Scam Collaboration Platform “FRONTIER+”, working together to combat cross-border fraud crimes. They successfully identified and dismantled multiple cross-border fraud networks, arresting a total of 1 858 individuals involved in 9 268 fraud cases, including investment fraud.
     
         In terms of publicity, given the increase in the two aforementioned types of fraud at the beginning of 2025, the Police have held press conferences on multiple occasions over the past few months and utilised various channels, namely the CyberDefender website and Facebook, to enhance publicity efforts and remind the public to remain vigilant (including explaining the latest deception tactics employed by fraudsters and outlining how the public can protect themselves), such as making use of WhatsApp’s privacy settings to allow only contacts from one’s address book to add the user to groups, thereby preventing being added to fraudulent groups by strangers.
     
    (2)  Scammers often use various methods to steal social media accounts, including fake customer service and fake websites. A common tactic is to send phishing messages claiming that the account has encountered security risks, luring users to click on links, enter account login information on fake websites or scan QR codes, thereby hijacking the account and sending messages to the user’s friends and family to request loans or the purchase of game point cards.
     
         Such scams are categorised as “online account hijacking” cases, with 2 989 cases reported in 2024, involving approximately $91 million. The Police do not maintain any breakdown of arrested person by types of deception.
     
         The Police have strengthened efforts to combat such scams from multiple angles, including requesting telecommunication service providers (TSPs) to block websites containing false WhatsApp advertisements by the end of 2023, and submitting requests to relevant search engines and overseas authorities to remove the fake websites. They also continue to promote anti-deception information through various channels to enhance public awareness of fraud prevention, and promoting the use of the Scameter and Scameter+. Among these measures, the Police urge the public to enable two-factor authentication; regularly review the devices linked to their accounts and log out of any unknown connected devices; not to blindly trust search engine results, and instead bookmark frequently used websites; and avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi or logging into online accounts on public computers.
     
         Following the Police’s series of educational campaigns, the number of “online account hijacking” cases last year decreased by 13 per cent compared to 2023, and in the first four months of 2025, the figure further dropped by 63 per cent compared to the same period last year. The Police will continue to closely monitor deception trends, regularly review measures and strategies to combat fraud and strengthen protection for the public.
     
    (3)  Depending on the method used, fraud cases involving identity theft can be classified as phishing scams, online investment frauds, or even online romance scams. The Police do not maintain breakdown of fraud cases involving identity theft.
     
         In response to scammers sending text messages by impersonating as government departments, official institutions, and banks, the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) launched the SMS Sender Registration Scheme (the Scheme) on December 28, 2023, and fully opened it to all industries to join in February 2024. As at end May 2025, over 540 public and private organisations (including the Immigration Department, the Department of Health, the Police, the Consumer Council, major banks and TSPs) have participated in the Scheme. Under the Scheme, only those companies or organisations qualified as Registered Senders are able to send SMS messages using their Registered SMS Sender IDs with the prefix “#”. TSPs will block fraudulent SMS messages sent by non-Registered Senders via the Internet.
     
         In February 2023, the Police launched the mobile application “Scameter+” to help members of the public distinguish suspicious online platform accounts, payment accounts, phone numbers, email addresses, websites, etc, and to provide the public with anti-fraud tips. “Scameter+” has now been upgraded and is equipped with automatic detection functions. The Call Alert function and the Website Detection function will automatically identify scam calls and fraudulent websites. If potential fraud or cyber security risk is detected, “Scameter+” will issue a real-time notification, reminding users not to answer the call or browse the website.
     
         Moreover, under the co-ordination of the OFCA, the Police and major TSPs have established a mechanism where TSPs will, based on the fraud records provided by the Police, block the telephone numbers suspected to be involved in deception cases and intercept suspicious website links as soon as possible. The OFCA does not maintain any record of the average time required for relevant actions by TSPs.
     
    (4)  The Government understands that members of the public are concerned about marketing calls. However, the nature of marketing calls is fundamentally different from scam calls. Marketing calls do not necessarily involve fraud or illegal activities, and hence, the two should not be conflated. Some businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, still rely on voice marketing calls for promotional activities and service follow-ups. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between regulating marketing calls and maintaining normal business activities. In fact, other regions around the world also face similar challenges in managing marketing calls. Practical difficulties remain in operation and enforcement (for example, distinction between marketing calls from nuisance calls or scam calls, evidence collection, cross-border enforcement, etc). As such, the Government believes that regulation by legislation may not be the most effective approach for managing marketing calls.
     
         To mitigate the possible nuisance caused by marketing calls to the public, the OFCA has enhanced the Industry Regulatory Scheme for Marketing Calls in 2024 to introduce industry-specific regulation to limit the number of calls made by telemarketers to the same telephone number within a specific time frame, as well as requiring telemarketers to provide their names and contact numbers upon recipients’ requests, and to honour any unsubscribe requests from the called party. At present, 12 trade associations from seven industries (including finance, insurance, telecommunications, call centres, beauty, estate agencies and money lenders) have joined the scheme.
     
         In addition, the OFCA has requested TSPs to provide their users with call-filtering services, and actively encourage the use of call-filtering apps by the public, while also promoting relevant information on their websites. The number of enquiries and complaints related to marketing calls received by the Government has drastically reduced from 2 060 cases in 2011 to 93 cases in the first five months of 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of the above measures.
     
         On combating fraudulent calls, the OFCA will continue to collaborate with the telecommunications industry and the Police to mitigate the risk of phone deception on various fronts, including requiring TSPs to block/suspend suspected fraudulent phone numbers and websites, intercept suspicious calls starting with “+852”, send voice alerts or text messages to all mobile users for overseas calls prefixed with “+852”, and play voice alerts for newly activated prepaid SIM cards, so as to assist the public in guarding against suspicious calls and messages.
    Issued at HKT 14:53

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Trawick International Expands LATAM Offerings with Corporate IPMI for Businesses in Latin America & the Caribbean

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trawick International, a leading provider of international insurance, announced today that it is expanding its innovative Plan VIVA international private medical insurance (IPMI) product line with the launch of VIVA Corporate, a group IPMI plan for businesses across Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Building on the success of Plan VIVA for individuals, VIVA Corporate offers businesses an opportunity to prioritize employee well-being while enhancing their ability to attract and retain top talent. The plan is designed for companies with five or more employees, offering a modular structure that allows organizations to customize coverage according to the specific needs and budget of their workforce.

    VIVA Corporate integrates the same core principles that have made Plan VIVA a preferred choice for international medical coverage: affordability, long-term sustainability, and personalized service. Businesses can select from various coverage options, ensuring their employees receive access to world-class healthcare without unnecessary costs.

    Key features include:

    • Flexible Coverage Options – A modular design that allows businesses to tailor plans to their workforce needs.
    • Premium Stability – Responsible underwriting practices to prevent sudden rate fluctuations.
    • Wellness and Preventive Care – Health programs and early detection screenings to encourage proactive healthcare management.
    • Seamless Digital Experience – A technology-driven platform for enrollment, policy management, and claims processing.
    • Global Access to Top-Tier Medical Facilities – Policyholders receive quality care wherever they are in the world.
    • Financial Security – Coverage reinsured by Lloyd’s of London.

    David Capote, President, Trawick International Latin America, commented, “We’re proud to introduce our new group IPMI plan tailored specifically for businesses across Latin America and the Caribbean. This offering reflects our commitment to providing flexible, high-quality international health coverage that meets the evolving needs of today’s globally mobile workforce. As companies in the region continue to expand and attract top talent, we’re here to ensure their teams are protected, wherever their work takes them.”

    Businesses interested in learning more about how this group IPMI solution can support their employees’ healthcare needs can contact info@trawicklatam.com.

    About Trawick International
    For over 25 years, Trawick International has been a leading provider of international insurance, administration, and assistance services. The company offers a full suite of innovative products and services designed to support today’s globally mobile population. To learn more about Trawick International and the Trawick family of companies, visit trawickholdings.com.

    Media Contact

    Melissa Nicholson
    Director, Corporate Communications
    Trawick International
    Melissa.Nicholson@trawickinternational.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BigCommerce Earns 2025 Top Rated Award from TrustRadius

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading provider of open, composable commerce solutions for B2C and B2B brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors, today announced that TrustRadius has recognized BigCommerce with a 2025 Top Rated Award.

    With a TRScore of 7.8 out of 10 and over 450 reviews, BigCommerce is recognized by their customer reviews as a top player in the ecommerce category.

    “This recognition is based entirely on our customers’ positive sentiment and is especially fulfilling because it reflects the value they receive from our platform as well as our customer success services,” said Ryan Means, senior vice president of global services at BigCommerce. “Winning this TrustRadius award validates that our customers are successful with our platform and it is helping them optimize revenue and grow their businesses.”

    “BigCommerce earning a TrustRadius Top Rated award showcases its impact in empowering merchants to scale without limits,” said Allyson Havener, chief marketing officer at TrustRadius. “Their customers consistently praise BigCommerce for its flexibility, robust feature set, and ease of use—making it a trusted platform for businesses looking to grow and compete in an ever-evolving eCommerce landscape.”

    Since 2016, the TrustRadius Top Rated Awards have become the B2B’s industry standard for unbiased recognition of excellent technology products. Based entirely on customer feedback, they have never been influenced by analyst opinion or status as a TrustRadius customer. Here is a detailed criteria breakdown of the methodology and scoring that TrustRadius uses to determine Top Rated winners.

    Hear from verified users on how much they value BigCommerce:

    “Big commerce certainly helped us increase our web traffic through its integrated SEO,” wrote one review. “SEO is super important for web visibility/where your page ranks on search engines. The integrated SEO along with the integrated search analytics really helps us target/cater to what our customers or potential customers are searching for.”

    “BigCommerce had a much stronger B2B integration and platform in general than Shopify,” said another reviewer. “Netsuite was too expensive at the time to consider it.”

    BigCommerce is proud to create products that inspire such gracious feedback in our user community. Looking to share your own feedback? Please leave a review here.

    About BigCommerce
    BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open SaaS and composable ecommerce platform that empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides its customers sophisticated professional-grade functionality, customization and performance with simplicity and ease-of-use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries rely on BigCommerce, including Coldwater Creek, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., MKM Building Supplies, United Aqua Group and Uplift Desk. For more information, please visit www.bigcommerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    BigCommerce® is a registered trademark of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

    About TrustRadius:
    TrustRadius is a buyer intelligence platform for business technology. We enable buyers to make confident decisions, through comprehensive product information, in-depth customer insights, and peer conversations. We help technology brands capture and activate the authentic voice of customers to improve their products, build confidence with prospects, and engage in-market buyers to improve ROI. Founded by successful entrepreneurs and headquartered in the technology hub of Austin, Texas, TrustRadius is backed by Mayfield Fund, LiveOak Venture Partners, and Next Coast Ventures.

    Media Contact:
    Brad Hem
    pr@bigcommerce.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: A traffic-light system for dogwalkers could protect breeding birds, seal pups and other wildlife

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sarah Crowley, Senior Lecturer in Human and Animal Geography, University of Exeter

    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    Like millions of people, we have experienced the physical and mental health benefits, as well as the simple enjoyment, of a daily dog walk. However, amid the UK’s growing population of dogs (around 13.5 million at the latest estimate), recent reports have highlighted growing concern about how dogs affect wildlife and ecosystems.

    Potential issues include disturbance or active chasing of wildlife, spreading of diseases and parasites, and water pollution from flea and tick treatments.

    By collaborating with more than 40 organisations from the Wildlife Trusts to the Dogs Trust, we have created a new guide to explain and help manage the effects of dog walking on biodiversity, based on current evidence.

    The Renew programme, a research collaboration between the University of Exeter and the National Trust, takes a “people in nature” approach to address complex challenges like this. We reviewed the existing scientific literature and mapped the relationship between current dog densities and England’s protected habitats.

    We found that dog walking can have negative environmental consequences including substantial effects of disturbance, pollution and disease in some places.


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    We then discussed these findings in workshops with specialists in dog behaviour, biodiversity conservation and land management. We explored what dog walkers and landowners can do to minimise the disturbance of wildlife and ecosystems, while still enabling public access to natural spaces for people and their dogs.

    One of our key findings was that different organisations and landowners take very different approaches to managing dog walking on their sites, which is inconsistent and can be confusing for dog walkers. There are also multiple voluntary codes for responsible dog walking, including the countryside code, the Kennel Club’s canine code, the National Trust’s canine code, and Forestry England’s dog code.

    While these codes often share central principles, they differ in specific guidance and level of detail. To address this, land managers could take a more standardised approach to managing dog walking – based on a shared code for dog walkers, and different zones of access for land managers.

    A green pawprint sign would indicate where dogs don’t have to be kept on leads.
    Soloviova Liudmyla/Shutterstock

    We recommend such a zoning approach should employ a traffic-light system, highlighted by coloured pawprints. Green zones would welcome dogs without restriction and ideally provide dog-friendly facilities.

    Amber zones would require “paws on paths” (that is, keeping dogs on marked trails) and, in the presence of livestock, dogs on leads. Red zones would indicate sensitive sites in which dogs aren’t allowed, such as areas of lowland heath where birds nest on the ground or beaches where young seal pups are resting.

    Zone colours might change depending on the time of year – this is already common on beaches, which often have seasonal dog restrictions. As long as the signage is clear, our idea is that wherever a dog walker finds themselves, they will know what is expected of them.

    More zones, less disturbance

    Some organisations and sites, including Dorset Dogs and the Holkham Hall estate in Norfolk, already use zoning approaches to reduce incidences of wildlife disturbance. But as was recently demonstrated by the legal battle over wild camping on Dartmoor, public access to land is a sensitive topic in the UK. Restrictions meet resistance because they can impinge on what for many is considered a basic freedom – to access the outdoors with one’s dog.

    Consequently, meaningful engagement with dog owners and local communities when designing zoning is vital. Perhaps counterintuitively, simply increasing restrictions on access to land may actually exacerbate disturbance from dog walking, as people, dogs and protected areas become crowded together in the same landscapes.

    A zoning approach that also involves creating new green pawprint zones for off-lead dog walking, where access elsewhere is restricted, would ensure that no access to wild places is lost overall.

    The effects of dog walking on the environment are linked to broader social and cultural factors, including people’s knowledge and skills when it comes to managing their dogs’ behaviour. But other factors include the availability of facilities such as dog poo bins, and the widespread use of “spot-on” flea and tick treatments – pesticides that are applied directly to the fur and can contaminate the environment more than medication given orally.

    In our Paws for Thought workshops, the research team found that emphasising how the health of people, animals and ecosystems are all interconnected resonated with our participants more than focusing on wildlife protection alone.

    Dogs are vital companions for many of us – but unfortunately, their presence and behaviour can cause problems for other species. Rather than demonising dogs and their owners as environmental threats, collaborative, evidence-based approaches can help create accessible spaces for people, dogs and wildlife.


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    Sarah Crowley works at the University of Exeter and receives funding from the UKRI as part of the Renew programme.

    David Bavin receives funding from UKRI and National Trust.

    Professor Matthew Heard receives funding from UKRI and National Trust.

    ref. A traffic-light system for dogwalkers could protect breeding birds, seal pups and other wildlife – https://theconversation.com/a-traffic-light-system-for-dogwalkers-could-protect-breeding-birds-seal-pups-and-other-wildlife-258035

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: No packaging, no problem? The potential drawbacks of bulk groceries

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Fanny Reniou, Maître de conférences HDR, Université de Rennes 1 – Université de Rennes

    High-income professionals over the age of 50 make up 70% of all consumers of bulk products.
    DCStudio/Shutterstock

    The bulk distribution model has been in the news again lately, with well-known brands such as The Laughing Cow making their way into French supermarkets. Stakeholders in the bulk sector are seeking to introduce innovations in order to expand and democratise the concept. But is the bulk model such a clear-cut approach to consuming in a sustainable way?

    Bulk can be described as a consumer practice with a lower impact on the environment, since it involves the sale of products with no packaging, plastic or unnecessary waste and the use of reusable containers by consumers. In this type of distribution, predetermined manufacturer packaging becomes a thing of the past.

    In this model, distributors and consumers take on the task of packaging the product themselves to ensure the continuity of the multiple logistical and marketing functions that packaging usually fulfils. Unaccustomed to this new role, stakeholders in the bulk sector may make mistakes or act in ways that run counter to the environmental benefits that are generally expected to result from this practice.

    Contrary to the usually positive discourse on bulk products, our research points to the perverse and harmful effects of bulk distribution. When bulk stakeholders are left to “cope with” this new task of packaging products, can bulk still be described as ecologically sound?

    A new approach to packaging

    Packaging has always played a key role. It performs multiple functions that are essential for product distribution and consumption:

    • Logistical functions to preserve, protect and store the product: packaging helps to limit damage and loss, particularly during transport.

    • Marketing functions for product or brand recognition, which is achieved by distinctive colours or shapes to create on-shelf appeal. Packaging also has a positioning function, visually conveying a particular range level, as well as an informative function, serving as a medium for communicating a number of key elements such as composition, best-before date, etc.

    • Environmental functions, such as limiting the size of packaging and promoting certain types of materials – in particular recycled and recyclable materials.

    In the bulk market, it is up to consumers and distributors to fulfil these various functions in their own way: they may give them greater or lesser importance, giving priority to some over others. Insofar as manufacturers no longer offer predetermined packaging for their products, consumers and distributors have to take on this task jointly.

    Assimilation or accommodation

    Our study of how consumers and retailers appropriate these packaging functions used a variety of data: 54 interviews with bulk aisle and store managers and consumers of bulk products, as well as 190 Instagram posts and 428 photos taken in people’s homes and in stores.

    The study shows that there are two modes of appropriating packaging functions:

    • by assimilation – when individuals find ways to imitate typical packaging and its attributes

    • by accommodation – when they imagine new packaging and new ways of working with it

    Bulk packaging can lead to hygiene problems if consumers reuse packaging for a new purpose.
    GaldricPS/Shutterstock

    Some consumers reuse industrial packaging, such as egg cartons and detergent cans, because of their proven practicality. But packaging may also mirror its owners’ identity. Some packaging is cobbled together, while other packaging is carefully chosen with an emphasis on certain materials like wax, a fabric popular in West Africa and used for reusable bags.



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    Once packaging disappears, so does relevant information

    Appropriating the functions of packaging is not always easy. There is a “dark side” to bulk, with possible harmful effects on health or the environment, and social exclusion. Bulk can lead, for example, to hygiene-related problems or misinformation when consumers fail to label their jars correctly, or use packaging for another purpose. For example, using a glass juice bottle to store detergent can be hazardous if a household member is unaware of its contents.

    Bulk shopping can also appear exclusive for people with less culinary education. (High-income professionals over the age of 50 make up 70% of all consumers of bulk products.) Once the packaging disappears, so does the relevant information. Some consumers actually do need packaging to recognize, store and know how to cook a product. Without this information, products may end up in the garbage can!

    Our study also shows the ambivalence of the so-called “environmental function” of bulk shopping – the initial idea being that bulk should reduce the amount of waste generated by packaging. In fact, this function is not always fulfilled, as many consumers tend to buy a great deal of containers along with other items, such as labels, pens and so on, to customise them.

    Some consumers’ priority is not so much to reuse old packaging, but to buy new storage containers, which are often manufactured in faraway lands! The result is the production of massive amounts of waste – the exact opposite of the original purpose of the bulk trade.

    Lack of consumer guidance

    After a period of strong growth, the bulk sector went through a difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to closures for many specialist stores in France, according to a first survey on bulk and on reuse. In supermarkets though, some retailers invested to make their bulk aisles more attractive – though in the absence of any effective guidance, consumers failed to make them their own. Bulk aisles have become just one among a host of other aisles.

    Things seem to be improving however, and innovation is on the rise. In France, 58% of the members of the “Bulk and Reuse Network” (réseau Vrac et réemploi) reported an increase in daily traffic between January and May 2023 compared with 2022.

    Distributors need to adapt to changing regulations. These stipulate that, by 2030, stores of over 400 m2 will have to devote 20% of their FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sales areas to bulk sales. Moreover, bulk sales made their official entry into French legislation with the law on the fight against waste and the circular economy (loi relative à la lutte contre le gaspillage et à l’économie circulaire) published in the French official gazette on February 11, 2020.

    In this context, it is all the more necessary and urgent to support bulk stakeholders, so that they can successfully adopt the practice and develop it further.

    Fanny Reniou has received funding from Biocoop as part of a research partnership.

    Elisa Robert-Monnot has received funding from Biocoop as part of a research partnership and collaboration.

    Sarah Lasri ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    ref. No packaging, no problem? The potential drawbacks of bulk groceries – https://theconversation.com/no-packaging-no-problem-the-potential-drawbacks-of-bulk-groceries-258305

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Housing placed at the heart of Cabinet

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister announces changes to Ministerial team.

    Tackling the housing emergency will be at the heart of the Scottish Cabinet, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

    Màiri McAllan has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Housing upon her return to government from maternity leave. Ms McAllan has responsibility for all aspects of housing policy, including heat in buildings.

    This appointment will ensure government action is focused on tackling the housing emergency and providing energy efficient homes for the future – helping stimulate economic growth, deliver Net Zero commitments and tackle child poverty.  

    Gillian Martin has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, having held the portfolio during Ms McAllan’s maternity leave.

    Following the death of Christina McKelvie in March, Maree Todd will become Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, while retaining her existing responsibility for Sport. Tom Arthur has been appointed as Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing.

    Housing Minister Paul McLennan has requested to leave the Scottish Government and he does so today. Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan will leave Government at the end of this week, having indicated that he only wished to serve on an interim basis.

    Excluding the Law Officers, the overall size of government reduces to 23, down from 27 in May 2024.

    First Minister John Swinney said:

    “Scotland’s strengths lie in our people, our communities and our resolve to leave a better future, and better country for the next generation. As First Minister, I am firmly focused on leading a government that unlocks the potential for every person in Scotland to thrive.

    “I have made changes to the Cabinet which will further enable us to realise that potential. Màiri McAllan has been tasked with tackling the housing emergency, including ensuring we have energy efficient homes to help bring down bills and tackle the climate emergency. These are two of the biggest challenges facing people across the country and I want them to know they have a government firmly on their side and focused on delivering real change.

    “Following the sad passing of Christina McKelvie, I have asked Maree Todd to take on responsibility for Drugs and Alcohol Policy. This government has shown it is not afraid to take bold measures to prevent harm and death, and we must redouble our efforts.

    “I want to thank Paul McLennan and Alasdair Allan for the service they have provided to me, the government and to the people of Scotland. They both held two very important Ministerial appointments in housing and climate action and have helped to drive forward progress in tackling two issues which are central to Scotland’s long-term success as a nation.” 

    Background

    The changes mean the Scottish Cabinet now consists of twelve, the majority of whom are women. Further changes mean the Ministerial team reduces to eleven, from fourteen.

    The Scottish Cabinet is as follows:

    • First Minister John Swinney
    • Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes
    • Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Shona Robison
    • Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth
    • Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance
    • Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville
    • Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop
    • Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan
    • Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin
    • Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon 
    • Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray
    • Cabinet Secretary for Constitution External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson

    Màiri McAllan has been on maternity since 1 July 2024. Gillian Martin was acting Cabinet Secretary Net Zero and Energy, with Alasdair Allan temporarily assuming responsibility for Climate Action. Màiri McAllan maternity cover – gov.scot

    Christina McKelvie, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy, passed away in March 2025.  First Minister pays tribute to Christina McKelvie MSP – gov.scot

    Tom Arthur was previously Minister for Employment and Investment. His investment responsibilities will be assumed by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, while Richard Lochhead’s extended responsibilities see him become Minister for Business and Employment.

    Paul McLennan has left government today. Alasdair Allan will leave his post at end of this week.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trading Standards seize illegal tobacco and vapes in Tunstall

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Wednesday, 11th June 2025

    Illegal tobacco and vapes worth £25,000 have been taken off Stoke-on-Trent streets as part of a national operation and the council mission to reclaim our streets.

    Trading Standards officers raided four premises on Tunstall High Street and were accompanied by Staffordshire Police and a Wagtails UK Tobacco Detection Dog and handler.

    In total, 20,000 cigarettes, 6.5kg of hand rolling tobacco, 650 vapes and 22 tubs of shisha were seized.

    The raids took place as part of Operation Cece, a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC, which is aimed at tackling the supply of illegal tobacco.

    This activity also follows the introduction of the ban on single use vapes, which came into force on Sunday 1 June.

    Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Our Trading Standards officers continue to work to protect our communities and get these illegal products off our streets. Illegal tobacco and vapes often exploit vulnerable workers and undermine legitimate business.

    “This work is part of the council’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener and safer city for all and you will face serious consequences if you choose to sell illegal products.”

    Anyone who wants to report a similar issue to Trading Standards can call the Trading Standards Hotline 01782 238444 or visit stoke.gov.uk.

    Businesses can find advice and guidance on the ban on single use vapes here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier urges US to resolve trade disputes with China through dialogue, cooperation

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

    The United States should resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has said.

    China reiterates that the United States should work with China to honor their words with actions, and demonstrate sincerity in keeping commitments and concrete efforts to implement consensus, so as to jointly safeguard the hard-won outcomes of dialogue, He said.

    He made the remarks during the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism held in London from Monday to Tuesday with U.S. lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

    During the talks, the two sides held candid and in-depth talks, and thoroughly exchanged views on economic and trade issues of mutual concern.

    The two sides reached principled agreement on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call on June 5 and the framework of measures to consolidate the outcomes of the economic and trade talks in Geneva, and made new progress in addressing each other’s economic and trade concerns.

    Calling the meeting an important consultation held under the guidance of the strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state on June 5, He said that China’s position on China-U.S. economic and trade issues is clear and consistent.

    Noting that the essence of China-U.S. economic and trade relations lies in mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, the vice premier said cooperation between China and the United States in the economic and trade field benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both.

    There are no winners in trade wars, He said, adding that China does not seek conflict but will not be intimidated by one.

    He urged the United States to resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, adding that while China is sincere in pursuing economic and trade consultations, it also has its principles.

    Next, the two sides should, in accordance with the important consensus and requirements reached by the two heads of state during their phone call, make better use of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, and work to enhance consensus, reduce misunderstanding and strengthen cooperation, He said.

    The two sides should maintain communication and consultation, and promote the steady and sustained growth of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, so as to inject more certainty and stability into the world economy, He added.

    The U.S. side said that the meeting had achieved positive outcomes and further stabilized bilateral economic and trade relations, adding that the U.S. side would walk in the same direction as China in accordance with the requirements of the phone call between the two heads of state to jointly implement the consensus reached at this meeting. Enditem

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: THOMPSON, COLLEAGUES, VETERANS SHARE HOW CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS’ POLICIES ARE HARMING VETERANS’ CARE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Norfolk, VA – Today, the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee held a hearing on the impacts of the Trump Administration proposed policies and DOGE cuts for veterans. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), a Vietnam war combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, testified alongside committee Co-Chairs Congresswomen Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Nanette Díaz Barragán (D-CA). The committee heard from policy experts, healthcare providers, and veterans on how Congressional Republican schemes make it more difficult to plan, access care, and utilize critical programs across the federal government.  

    “Since his first day back in office, the President has gone after our nation’s veterans. The President has fired thousands of veterans and VA staff, taken a sledgehammer to the PACT Act serving veterans exposed to toxic substances, and canceled hundreds of contracts for programs supporting veterans’ mental health and addressing veteran homelessness. Make no mistake: This administration is making our veterans, their families, and the American people worse off,” said Rep. Mike Thompson.  
     
    “Today, I heard a clear message from veterans, healthcare leaders and VA workers: President Trump’s agenda is making it harder for veterans and their families to receive the care they need,” said Rep. Kelly. “The Trump administration has fired over 6,000 veterans who are federal workers, implemented hiring freezes in the VA hospital system and cut mental healthcare for veterans. These attacks against the brave men and women who served our country in uniform are undignified and disrespectful.” 
     
    “Our veterans served our country and have earned the care and benefits they were promised,” said Rep. Barragán. “Yet, Donald Trump and House Republicans have fired thousands of veterans, canceled contracts for programs to end veteran homelessness and prevent veteran suicide, frozen hiring new staff at the VA, and cut programs that provide health care and education — all so that they can line the pockets of their billionaire donors. House Democrats will continue to put our veterans over billionaires, fight back against Trump and House Republicans, and work to keep America’s commitment to our veterans.”  
     
    Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), who hosted the field hearing in his district said, “Today’s hearing highlighted the ways President Trump, Secretary Collins and Congressional Republicans have harmed our nation’s veterans by firing veterans, weakening the VA, and slashing Medicaid. I was proud to host my colleagues in Hampton Roads, home to one of the largest veterans’ populations in the country. I look forward to continuing to work together to protect America’s veterans from these attacks and ensure they receive the quality health care they earned.”  
       
    “As Ranking Member on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I hear heartbreaking stories of our veterans being fired or denied and delayed from receiving their hard-earned benefits and services,” said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). “Trump and Republicans are breaking our promise to America’s veterans, letting Elon Musk’s DOGE cut benefits and healthcare our veterans earned while carrying out the largest firing of veterans in American history.”  
     
    This year, the Steering & Policy Committee has held hearings on Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security Small Business, and Veterans. Each one shared personal stories of how everyday Americans are being harmed by this administration. The Steering & Policy Committee will continue to hear, collect, and share more stories from across the nation in the months ahead.  
     
    The full video of today’s hearing can be found here.  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Vodafone Idea Launches 5G Commercial Service in Bengaluru with Samsung’s Versatile Solutions

    Source: Samsung

     
    Leading telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) today announced the commercial launch of 5G services by partnering with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Samsung) in Bengaluru region, one of the key telecom markets in India and a global IT hub known as the “Silicon Valley of India”. Since 2024, the companies have been working together to deploy a new generation, 5G network and modernize Vi’s legacy 2G and 4G networks with Samsung’s industry-leading solutions in major telecom circles of India including Bihar, Karnataka and Punjab.
     
    As part of this collaboration, Vi had already launched 5G commercial services in Chandigarh and Patna in April 2025. Vi has successfully deployed Samsung’s small form-factor, energy-efficient and high transmit power radios for enabling a seamless 5G experience across all the three circles. These solutions offer increased cell capacity and energy savings features to deliver better consumer experience with greener and more sustainable approaches for Vi’s customers.
     
    For this deployment, Samsung provided its wide range of radios supporting diverse spectrum bands, including 32T32R Massive MIMO radios, along with Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions that encompass baseband and software functions known as the virtualized Central Unit (vCU).
     
    The companies have also implemented the nation’s first virtualized Base Station Controller (vBSC), a key network element for 2G services, thereby modernizing its network with cutting-edge software solutions while still ensuring legacy technology and services are supported.
     
    Virtualization of network functionalities enable Vi to streamline network deployment and facilitate easier management, which results in greater efficiency, lower operational costs, better resource allocation control, and increased customer satisfaction. With this virtualization adoption, operators can build software-based and flexible networks more easily, gaining a competitive edge in bringing future networks.
     
    Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea said: “The launch of Vi’s 5G services in Bengaluru as well as Chandigarh and Patna, marks a key step in introducing Samsung as a new partner in our ecosystem and towards delivering seamless, highly reliable next-generation services to our customers. By partnering with Samsung, our endeavor is to offer the best customer experience and provide our customers with enhanced mobile broadband throughputs and high capacity required in today’s digitally connected world.”
     
    Woojune Kim, President and Head of Networks Business at Samsung Electronics said: “India, especially Bengaluru, stands at the forefront of the global digital transformation, and we are proud to accompany Vi’s innovative journey in delivering next-generation connectivity to its customers in one of the world’s most dynamic and advanced IT markets. Samsung always thinks a step ahead, anticipating future needs of mobile operators. Through this collaboration, Samsung is fully committed in supporting Vi to satisfy the demands of mobile users and boost enterprise growth with our innovative spirits.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: Chinese Vice Premier Calls on US to Resolve Trade Disputes with China Through Dialogue, Cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    LONDON, June 11 (Xinhua) — The United States should resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and win-win cooperation, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has said.

    The Chinese side reaffirms that the United States should work with China to match its words with deeds, demonstrate sincerity in fulfilling commitments and concrete efforts to implement consensus, so as to jointly uphold the hard-won results of the dialogue, he said.

    He made the remarks during the first meeting of the China-US Economic and Trade Consultations Mechanism, which was held in London from Monday to Tuesday. The US side was represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and trade negotiator Jamison Greer. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: SailPoint Announces Fiscal First Quarter 2026 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Grew ARR 30% year-over-year to $925 million
    • Increased SaaS ARR 39% year-over-year to $574 million
    • Expanded the number of customers with more than $1 million of ARR by 62% year-over-year

    AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SailPoint, Inc. (Nasdaq: SAIL), a leader in enterprise identity security, today announced financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended April 30, 2025.

    “We delivered another strong quarter, driven by continued expansion across our customer base and strong adoption among Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 2000 companies,” said Mark McClain, CEO and Founder, SailPoint. “Enterprises are turning to SailPoint to manage both human and digital identities at the scale and speed required to stay ahead. Our ability to deliver both breadth and depth of identity security—on a platform that’s AI and data-driven and built for extensibility—combined with disciplined execution, fuel our consistent performance.”

    “As identity becomes the hub of modern digital security strategy, SailPoint continues to lead with innovation and deliver real results,” McClain continued. “Our growth this quarter underscores the market’s demand for a next-gen identity platform built for resilience, intelligence, and impact.”

    Fiscal 2026 First Quarter Financial Highlights

    • Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR): Total ARR was $925 million, an increase of 30% year-over-year. SaaS ARR was $574 million, an increase of 39% year-over-year.
    • Revenue: Total revenue was $230 million, an increase of 23% year-over-year. Subscription revenue was $215 million, an increase of 27% year-over-year.
    • Operating Income (Loss): GAAP operating loss was $(185) million, or (80)% of revenue, compared to $(68) million, or (36)% of revenue in fiscal Q1 2025. Adjusted income from operations was $24 million, or 10% of revenue, compared to $19 million, or 10% of revenue in fiscal Q1 2025.

    Financial Outlook

    For the second quarter and full year of fiscal 2026, SailPoint expects (in millions, except per share amounts and percentages):

      Q2’26 Guidance FY’26 Guidance Prior FY’26 Guidance
    Total ARR $963 to $967 $1,095 to $1,105 $1,075 to $1,085
    Total ARR YoY growth % 26% 25% to 26% 23% to 24%
           
    Total revenue $242 to $244 $1,034 to $1,044 $1,025 to $1,035
    Total revenue YoY growth % 22% to 23% 20% to 21% 19% to 20%
           
    Adjusted income from operations $29 to $30 $161 to $166 $151 to $156
    Adjusted operating margin % 11.9% to 12.4% 15.4% to 16.1% 14.6% to 15.2%
           
    Adjusted earnings per share (Adjusted EPS) $0.04 to $0.05 $0.16 to $0.20 $0.14 to $0.18
           

    These statements regarding SailPoint’s expectations of its financial outlook are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. Refer to “Forward-Looking Statements” below for information on the factors that could cause SailPoint’s actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

    All of SailPoint’s forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures exclude estimates for stock-based compensation expense, payroll taxes related to restricted stock units (RSUs), and amortization of acquired intangibles as well as acquisition-related costs and severance of certain key executives, if applicable. SailPoint has not reconciled its expectations as to adjusted income (loss) from operations and adjusted EPS to their most directly comparable GAAP measure due to the high variability and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections of certain items that impact these non-GAAP measures, particularly stock-based compensation expense. Stock-based compensation expense is affected by future hiring, turnover, and retention needs, as well as the future fair market value of our common stock, all of which are difficult to predict and subject to change. The actual amount of the excluded stock-based compensation expense will have a significant impact on SailPoint’s GAAP income (loss) from operations and GAAP net income (loss) per basic and diluted common share. Accordingly, reconciliations of our forward-looking adjusted income (loss) from operations and adjusted EPS to their most directly comparable GAAP measures are not available without unreasonable effort.

    Investor Conference Call and Webcast

    SailPoint will host a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results and outlook. A live webcast of the conference call and a presentation regarding SailPoint’s fiscal first quarter 2026 financial results and outlook will be available on SailPoint’s website at https://investors.sailpoint.com

    An audio replay of the conference call will be available on the investor relations website for one year.

    About SailPoint

    At SailPoint, we believe enterprise security must start with identity at the foundation. Today’s enterprise runs on a diverse workforce of not just human but also digital identities—and securing them all is critical. Through the lens of identity, SailPoint empowers organizations to seamlessly manage and secure access to applications and data at speed and scale. Our unified, intelligent, and extensible platform delivers identity-first security, helping enterprises defend against dynamic threats while driving productivity and transformation. Trusted by many of the world’s most complex organizations, SailPoint secures the modern enterprise.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to our financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, we use certain non-GAAP financial measures to clarify and enhance our understanding of past performance, including the following:

    Adjusted income from operations, which we define as income (loss) from operations excluding equity-based compensation expense, payroll taxes related to awards that were accelerated upon the closing of our initial public offering (the IPO) and payroll taxes related to RSUs, all of which were issued after the closing of the IPO, amortization of acquired intangible assets which includes impairment charges, impairment of intangible assets, acquisition-related expenses, benefit from amortization related to acquired contract acquisition costs, Thoma Bravo monitoring fees (which were annual service fees for consultation and advice related to corporate strategy, budgeting of future corporate investments, acquisition and divestiture strategies, and debt and equity financings pursuant to an advisory services agreement that was terminated upon the closing of the IPO), and restructuring expenses.

    Adjusted operating margin, which we define as adjusted income from operations as a percentage of revenue.

    Adjusted EPS (or non-GAAP net income (loss) available to common stockholders per diluted share), which we define as adjusted net income (loss) divided by the diluted weighted average shares outstanding, except that solely for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026 (and all periods therein), we calculate adjusted EPS based on the number of diluted shares outstanding as of the end of such period rather than the diluted weighted average shares outstanding for such period. We believe that using such a denominator will provide a more meaningful comparison with future periods due to the IPO closing after the beginning of fiscal year 2026. We calculate adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss) on a GAAP basis excluding equity-based compensation expense, payroll taxes related to awards that were accelerated upon the closing of the IPO (IPO-accelerated awards) and payroll taxes related to RSUs, all of which were issued after the closing of the IPO, amortization of acquired intangible assets which includes impairment charges, impairment of intangible assets, acquisition-related expenses, benefit from amortization related to acquired contract acquisition costs, Thoma Bravo monitoring fees and restructuring expenses, and adjusted for the income tax effects related to those adjustments. We currently apply a fixed projected tax rate of 24.5% when calculating or estimating adjusted net income for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026 and all periods therein for consistency across interim reporting periods within such fiscal year. This rate may be adjusted during the year if significant events that have a material impact on the rate occur, such as significant changes in our geographic mix of revenue and expenses, tax law changes, and acquisitions.

    Our non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that do not reflect our ongoing, core operating or business performance, such as equity-based compensation, payroll taxes related to IPO-accelerated awards and payroll taxes related to RSUs, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and acquisition-related expenses. We believe these adjustments enable management and investors to compare our underlying business performance from period-to-period and provide investors with additional means to evaluate cost and expense trends. We also believe these adjustments enhance comparability of our financial performance against those of other technology companies. Accordingly, our management believes the presentation of our non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors regarding our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, SailPoint’s management uses adjusted income (loss) from operations for budgeting and planning purposes, including with respect to its corporate bonus plan.

    Our non-GAAP financial measures are adjusted for the following factors, among others:

    Equity-based compensation expense. We believe that the exclusion of equity-based compensation expense is appropriate because it eliminates the impact of equity-based compensation costs that are based upon valuation methodologies and assumptions that vary over time, and the amount of the expense can vary significantly due to factors that are unrelated to our core operating performance and that can be outside of our control. Although we exclude equity-based compensation expense from our non-GAAP measures, equity compensation has been, and will continue to be, an important part of our future compensation strategy and a significant component of our future expenses and may increase in future periods.

    Payroll taxes related to IPO-accelerated awards and payroll taxes related to RSUs. We believe that the exclusion of payroll taxes related to IPO-accelerated awards is appropriate as the acceleration was a one-time, non-recurring event. We believe that the exclusion of payroll taxes related to RSUs is appropriate as they are dependent on SailPoint’s stock price and the vesting of such awards and therefore can vary significantly due to factors that are unrelated to our core operating performance and that can be outside of our control. Because the amount of such payroll taxes is highly variable due to factors outside of our control and is unrelated to our core operating performance, our management does not consider them when evaluating the performance of our business or making operating plans (for example, when considering the impact of equity award grants, we place a greater emphasis on overall stockholder dilution than the accounting charges associated with such grants). Accordingly, we believe this adjustment in arriving at our non-GAAP measures provides investors with a better understanding of the performance of our core business in a manner that is consistent with management’s view of the business. As with equity-based compensation expense, although we exclude payroll taxes related to post-IPO RSUs from our non-GAAP measures, such payroll taxes are, and will continue to be, a component of our future expenses and may increase in future periods. We note that, unlike equity-based compensation expense, payroll taxes are a cash expense.

    Amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment of intangible assets. We exclude amortization charges for our acquisition-related intangible assets and impairment of intangible assets for purposes of calculating certain non-GAAP measures to eliminate the impact of these non-cash charges and provide for a more meaningful comparison between operating results from period to period as the intangible assets are valued at the time of acquisition and are amortized over the useful life, which can be several years after the acquisition.

    Acquisition-related costs. We believe that the exclusion of acquisition-related expenses is appropriate as they represent items that management believes are not indicative of our ongoing operating performance. These expenses are primarily composed of legal, accounting, and professional fees incurred that are not capitalizable and that are included within general and administrative expenses.

    Amortization related to acquired contract acquisition costs. On August 16, 2022, our predecessor was acquired in an all-cash take-private transaction by Thoma Bravo (the “Take-Private Transaction”). In accordance with GAAP reporting requirements, we wrote off our contract acquisition costs at the time of the Take-Private Transaction. Therefore, GAAP commissions expense related to contract acquisition costs after the Take-Private Transaction do not reflect the commissions expense that would have been reported if the contract acquisition costs had not been written off. Accordingly, we believe that presenting the approximate amount of acquisition-related commission expenses (so that the full amount of commission expense is included) provides a more appropriate representation of commission expense in a given period and, therefore, provides readers of our financial statements with a more consistent basis for comparison across accounting periods.

    SailPoint’s non-GAAP financial measures may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in our industry because they may calculate non-GAAP financial results differently. In addition, there are limitations in using non-GAAP financial measures because they are not prepared in accordance with GAAP and exclude expenses that may have a material impact on our reported financial results. The presentation of non-GAAP financial information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. SailPoint urges you to review the reconciliations of our non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures included below, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate its business.

    Definitions of Certain Key Business and Other Metrics

    Annual Recurring Revenue. We define ARR as the annualized value of SaaS, maintenance, term subscription, and other subscription contracts as of the measurement date. To the extent that we are actively negotiating a renewal or new agreement with a customer after the expiration of a contract, we continue to include that contract’s annualized value in ARR until the customer notifies us that it is not renewing its contract. We calculate ARR by dividing the active contract value by the number of days of the contract and then multiplying by 365. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue, as ARR is an operating metric and is not intended to be combined with or to replace revenue. ARR is not a forecast of future revenue, which can be impacted by ASC 606 allocations, and ARR does not consider other sources of revenue that are not recurring in nature. ARR does not have a standardized meaning and is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

    SaaS Annual Recurring Revenue. We define SaaS ARR as the annualized value of SaaS contracts as of the measurement date. To the extent that we are actively negotiating a renewal or new agreement with a customer after the expiration of a contract, we continue to include that contract’s annualized value in SaaS ARR until the customer notifies us that it is not renewing its contract. We calculate SaaS ARR by dividing the active SaaS contract value by the number of days of the contract and then multiplying by 365. SaaS ARR should be viewed independently of subscription revenue as SaaS ARR is an operating metric and is not intended to be combined with or to replace subscription revenue. SaaS ARR is not a forecast of future subscription revenue, which can be impacted by ASC 606 allocations and renewal rates, and does not consider other sources of revenue that are not recurring in nature. SaaS ARR does not have a standardized meaning and is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

    Subscription Revenue. The majority of our revenue relates to subscription revenue which consists of (i) fees for access to, and related support for, the SaaS offerings, (ii) fees for term subscriptions, (iii) fees for ongoing maintenance and support of perpetual license solutions, and (iv) other subscription services such as cloud managed services, and certain professional services. Term subscriptions include the term licenses and ongoing maintenance and support. Maintenance and support agreements consist of fees for providing software updates on a when and if available basis and for providing technical support for software products for a specified term.

    Subscription revenue, including support for term licenses, is recognized ratably over the term of the applicable agreement. Revenue related to term subscription performance obligations, excluding support for term subscriptions, is recognized upfront at the point in time when the customer has taken control of the software license.

    Explanatory Note Regarding Our Corporate Conversion

    Prior to February 12, 2025, we were a Delaware limited partnership named SailPoint Parent, LP. On February 12, 2025, in connection with our IPO, SailPoint Parent, LP converted into a Delaware corporation pursuant to a statutory conversion (the Corporate Conversion) and changed its name to SailPoint, Inc. References to “SailPoint,” “we,” and “our” (i) for periods prior to such corporate conversion are to SailPoint Parent, LP and, where appropriate, its consolidated subsidiaries and (ii) for periods after such corporate conversion are to SailPoint, Inc. and, where appropriate, its consolidated subsidiaries.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release and statements made during the above referenced conference call may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management, growth rate and our expectations regarding future revenue, operating income or loss, or earnings or loss per share. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “will be,” “will likely result,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “would,” “foresees,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “outlook,” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, but are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our expectations expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements may not turn out to be correct. Our results could be materially different from our expectations because of various risks.

    Important factors, some of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements include the following: our ability to sustain historical growth rates; our ability to attract and retain customers; our ability to deepen our relationships with existing customers; the growth in the market for identity security solutions; our ability to maintain successful relationships with each of our partners; the length and unpredictable nature of our sales cycle; our ability to compete successfully against current and future competitors; the increasing complexity of our operations; our ability to maintain and enhance our brand or reputation as an industry leader and innovator; unfavorable conditions in our industry or the global economy; our estimated market opportunity and forecasts of our market and market growth may prove to be inaccurate; our ability to hire, train, and motivate our personnel; our ability to maintain our corporate culture; our ability to successfully introduce, use, and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with our solutions; breaches in our security, cyber attacks, or other cyber risks; interruptions, outages, or other disruptions affecting the delivery of our SaaS solution or any of the third-party cloud-based systems that we use in our operations; our ability to adapt and respond to rapidly changing technology, industry standards, regulations, or customer needs, requirements, or preferences; real or perceived errors, failures, or disruptions in our platform or solutions; the ability of our platform and solutions to effectively interoperate with our customers’ existing or future IT infrastructures; and our ability to comply with our privacy policy or related legal or regulatory requirements. More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2025 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or made during the above referenced conference call. We cannot assure you that the results, events, and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events, or circumstances could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

    Any forward-looking statement made in this press release or during the above referenced conference call speaks only as of the date as of which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact
    Scott Schmitz, SVP IR
    ir@sailpoint.com

    Media Relations Contact
    Samantha Person, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
    Samantha.person@sailpoint.com

     
    SAILPOINT, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (In thousands, except per share and per unit amounts)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended April 30,
      2025   2024
    Revenue      
    Subscription $ 215,323     $ 170,092  
    Perpetual licenses   5       69  
    Services and other   15,140       17,495  
    Total revenue   230,468       187,656  
    Cost of revenue      
    Subscription   75,491       55,120  
    Perpetual licenses   3       60  
    Services and other   27,319       16,986  
    Total cost of revenue   102,813       72,166  
    Gross profit   127,655       115,490  
    Operating expenses      
    Research and development   67,270       41,917  
    Sales and marketing   164,530       114,887  
    General and administrative   80,820       26,879  
    Total operating expenses   312,620       183,683  
    Loss from operations   (184,965 )     (68,193 )
    Other income (expense), net      
    Interest income   3,226       1,975  
    Interest expense   (22,389 )     (46,239 )
    Other income (expense), net   (191 )     (1,190 )
    Total other income (expense), net   (19,354 )     (45,454 )
    Loss before income taxes   (204,319 )     (113,647 )
    Income tax benefit (expense)   17,007       24,471  
    Net loss $ (187,312 )   $ (89,176 )
    Class A yield   (23,786 )     (51,367 )
    Net loss attributable to common stockholders and Class B unit holders   (211,098 )     (140,543 )
    Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders and Class B unit holders, basic and diluted(1) $ (0.42 )   $ (0.77 )
    Weighted average shares and Class B units outstanding, basic and diluted(1)   500,029       182,383  

    ____________
    (1) Amounts for the period during February 2025 prior to the Corporate Conversion have been retrospectively adjusted to give effect to the Corporate Conversion. These amounts do not consider the shares of common stock sold in the Company’s IPO or the Class A Units considered preferred shares that were converted into common stock due to the Corporate Conversion. The Company did not retrospectively adjust for the effect of the Corporate Conversion for periods prior to fiscal 2026.

     
    SAILPOINT, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In thousands, except share, per share and unit amounts)
    (Unaudited)
     
      April 30,
    2025
      January 31,
    2025
    Assets      
    Current assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 228,117     $ 121,293  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance   190,452       254,050  
    Contract acquisition costs   34,606       32,834  
    Contract assets, net of allowance   54,154       58,335  
    Prepayments and other current assets   49,223       45,870  
    Total current assets   556,552       512,382  
    Property and equipment, net   24,850       22,879  
    Contract acquisition costs, non-current   93,797       94,270  
    Contract assets, non-current, net of allowance   41,786       33,788  
    Other non-current assets   35,014       36,206  
    Goodwill   5,151,668       5,151,668  
    Intangible assets, net   1,510,811       1,560,723  
    Total assets $ 7,414,478     $ 7,411,916  
    Liabilities, redeemable convertible units, and stockholders’ equity / partners’ deficit      
    Current liabilities      
    Accounts payable $ 3,848     $ 3,515  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   66,539       158,135  
    Deferred revenue   404,557       413,043  
    Total current liabilities   474,944       574,693  
    Deferred tax liabilities, non-current   111,334       136,528  
    Other long-term liabilities   16,656       32,128  
    Deferred revenue, non-current   33,761       36,399  
    Long-term debt, net         1,024,467  
    Total liabilities   636,695       1,804,215  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Redeemable convertible units, no par value, unlimited units authorized, 499,052,847 units issued and outstanding as of January 31, 2025; aggregate liquidation preference of $8,100,352 as of January 31, 2025         11,196,141  
    Stockholders’ equity / partners’ deficit      
    Preferred stock, par value of $0.0001 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding as of April 30, 2025          
    Common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 1,750,000,000 authorized as of April 30, 2025; 556,580,175 shares issued and outstanding as of April 30, 2025   56        
    Additional paid in capital   6,945,784        
    Accumulated deficit   (168,057 )     (5,588,440 )
    Total stockholders’ equity / partners’ deficit   6,777,783       (5,588,440 )
    Total liabilities, redeemable convertible units, and stockholders’ equity / partners’ deficit $ 7,414,478     $ 7,411,916  
     
    SAILPOINT, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended April 30,
      2025   2024
    Cash flows from operating activities      
    Net loss $ (187,312 )   $ (89,176 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:      
    Depreciation and amortization expense   52,065       65,987  
    Amortization and write-off of debt discount and issuance costs   15,641       1,072  
    Amortization of contract acquisition costs   8,167       4,849  
    Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment         (11 )
    Provision for credit losses   3,562       402  
    Equity-based compensation expense, net of amounts capitalized   105,712       7,974  
    Deferred taxes   (25,325 )     (27,929 )
    Net changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions      
    Accounts receivable   60,036       47,790  
    Contract acquisition costs   (9,466 )     (11,036 )
    Contract assets   (3,817 )     (1,425 )
    Prepayments and other current assets   (14,990 )     (2,767 )
    Other non-current assets   82       (2,081 )
    Operating leases, net   255       5  
    Accounts payable   333       (5,271 )
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   (90,626 )     (32,998 )
    Deferred revenue   (11,124 )     (10,771 )
    Net cash used in operating activities   (96,807 )     (55,386 )
    Cash flows from investing activities      
    Purchase of property and equipment   (2,191 )     (587 )
    Proceeds from sale of property and equipment         11  
    Capitalized software development costs   (1,706 )     (2,514 )
    Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired         (4,594 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (3,897 )     (7,684 )
    Cash flows from financing activities      
    Proceeds from IPO, net of underwriting discounts and commissions   1,259,681        
    Repayment of Term Loans   (1,040,000 )      
    Payments of deferred offering costs, net   (8,357 )      
    Payments related to holdback consideration   (675 )      
    Repurchase of units         (1,810 )
    Net cash provided by financing activities   210,649       (1,810 )
    Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   109,945       (64,880 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   124,390       218,468  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 234,335     $ 153,588  
     
    SAILPOINT, INC.
    SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULES
    (Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended April 30,    
      2025   2024   variance %
               
    Revenue          
    Subscription          
    SaaS $ 131,815   $ 97,067   36 %
    Maintenance and support   37,389     38,269   (2 )%
    Term subscriptions   40,040     30,685   30 %
    Other subscription services   6,079     4,071   49 %
    Total subscription   215,323     170,092   27 %
    Perpetual licenses   5     69   (93 )%
    Services and other   15,140     17,495   (13 )%
    Total revenue $ 230,468   $ 187,656   23 %
     
    SAILPOINT, INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (Amounts in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended April 30,
      2025   2024
           
    GAAP gross profit $ 127,655     $ 115,490  
    GAAP gross profit margin   55.4 %     61.5 %
    Equity-based compensation expense   21,592       3,338  
    Payroll taxes for IPO-accelerated awards and RSUs   634        
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets   26,060       25,818  
    Adjusted gross profit $ 175,941     $ 144,646  
    Adjusted gross profit margin   76.3 %     77.1 %
      Three Months Ended April 30,
      2025   2024
           
    GAAP subscription gross profit $ 139,832     $ 114,972  
    GAAP subscription gross profit margin   64.9 %     67.6 %
    Equity-based compensation expense   11,264       1,702  
    Payroll taxes for IPO-accelerated awards and RSUs   332        
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets   26,058       25,758  
    Adjusted subscription gross profit $ 177,486     $ 142,432  
    Adjusted subscription gross profit margin   82.4 %     83.7 %
      Three Months Ended April 30,
      2025   2024
           
    GAAP income (loss) from operations $ (184,965 )   $ (68,193 )
    GAAP income (loss) from operations margin (80.3 )%   (36.3 )%
    Equity-based compensation expense   160,459       25,857  
    Payroll taxes for IPO-accelerated awards and RSUs   3,399        
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets   49,912       64,407  
    Amortization of acquired contract acquisition costs   (5,764 )     (6,745 )
    Acquisition-related expenses and Thoma Bravo monitoring fees   580       3,866  
    Adjusted income (loss) from operations $ 23,621     $ 19,192  
    Adjusted operating margin   10.2 %     10.2 %
      Three Months Ended April 30,
      2025   2024
           
    GAAP sales and marketing expense $ 164,530     $ 114,887  
    Equity-based compensation expense   (53,503 )     (9,201 )
    Payroll taxes for IPO-accelerated awards and RSUs   (1,684 )      
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets   (23,757 )     (38,494 )
    Amortization related to acquired contract acquisition costs   5,764       6,745  
    Adjusted sales and marketing expense $ 91,350     $ 73,937  
      Three Months Ended April 30,
      2025   2024
           
    GAAP research and development expense $ 67,270     $ 41,917  
    Equity-based compensation expense   (27,839 )     (6,857 )
    Payroll taxes for IPO-accelerated awards and RSUs   (686 )      
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets   (95 )     (95 )
    Adjusted research and development expense $ 38,650     $ 34,965  
      Three Months Ended April 30,
      2025   2024
           
    GAAP general and administrative expense $ 80,820     $ 26,879  
    Equity-based compensation expense   (57,525 )     (6,461 )
    Payroll taxes for IPO-accelerated awards and RSUs   (394 )      
    Acquisition-related expenses and Thoma Bravo monitoring fees   (580 )     (3,866 )
    Adjusted general and administrative expense $ 22,321     $ 16,552  
      Three Months Ended
    April 30,
      2025
       
    GAAP net loss $ (187,312 )
    Equity-based compensation expense   160,459  
    Payroll taxes for IPO-accelerated awards and RSUs   3,399  
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets   49,912  
    Amortization of acquired contract acquisition costs   (5,764 )
    Acquisition-related expenses and Thoma Bravo monitoring fees   580  
    Tax effect of adjustments   (18,052 )
    Adjusted net income $ 3,222  
       
    GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.42 )
    Adjusted EPS, diluted $ 0.01  
       
    Weighted average shares used in computing GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted   500,029  
    Shares used in computing adjusted EPS, diluted   555,940  

    The MIL Network

  • Piyush Goyal bolsters economic ties with Switzerland and Sweden, advances TEPA implementation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal wrapped up a productive two-day visit to Switzerland on June 9-10, and began official engagements in Sweden on Tuesday, reinforcing India’s strategic economic partnerships with both nations.

    “The Switzerland leg of the visit focused on advancing India–Switzerland economic cooperation and operationalising the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) signed earlier this year between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA),” the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

    During the visit, Goyal held high-level talks with Swiss leaders, including Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research, and State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda. The discussions focused on a roadmap for TEPA implementation, prioritizing regulatory cooperation, skill development, and innovation to enhance trade and investment.

    In Zurich, Goyal addressed over 1,000 European industry leaders at the 18th Swissmem Industry Day. He invited Swiss firms, including SMEs and deep-tech innovators, to invest in India, highlighting India’s demographic dividend, engineering talent, and robust supply chains. He positioned India as a global hub for manufacturing and R&D.

    Engagements with Swiss industries covered biotech, pharma, precision engineering, defense, and emerging technologies. Goyal emphasized India’s stable policies and infrastructure growth, urging firms to establish local manufacturing and co-develop technologies for the Global South. A standout outcome was the rapid resolution of a land availability issue for Endress+Hauser in Maharashtra, resolved within hours through coordinated efforts, earning praise as a model of responsive governance.

    Accompanied by representatives from ASSOCHAM, CII, and FICCI, Goyal underscored India’s whole-of-government approach. He also met the Switzerland Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, commending their role in elevating India’s global financial reputation.

    In Sweden, Goyal is set to co-chair the 21st Indo-Swedish Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial, and Scientific Cooperation (JCEISC) with Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. The session aims to deepen ties in advanced manufacturing, green technologies, and sustainable solutions.

    Bilateral meetings with Dousa and Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, alongside an India-Sweden Business Leaders’ Round Table, focus on expanding partnerships with companies like Ericsson, Volvo Group, IKEA, Sandvik, Alfa Laval, and SAAB. Goyal will also engage with the Indian diaspora and media to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote the India-Sweden vision.

    Reflecting on his Switzerland visit, Goyal in a post on X, wrote, “Wrapping up a successful two-day visit to the beautiful city of Bern, with warmth, fond memories & new partnerships. Highly impressed with the curiosity, interest, and trust of industry leaders in India’s growth story. Exciting opportunities lie ahead.”

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Data flows in supply chains: Practical realities and policy implications

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Data flows in supply chains: Practical realities and policy implications

    Why are cross-border data flows essential to modern supply chains?  

    Cross-border data flows are essential for efficient, resilient, and interconnected global supply chains. They enable real-time coordination, including traceability, custom clearance and the deployment of digital tools such as IoT and AI-driven analytics.  

    Restrictive data policies, however, can create significant barriers that disrupt these interconnected systems. Such restrictions slow down trade, increase operational costs, and disproportionately impact MSMEs – the backbone of global economies – who may be excluded from global markets due to complex, costly compliance requirements. 

    What’s stopping data from moving freely? 

    Despite their critical role, cross-border data flows face growing regulatory hurdles. The lack of multilateral coordination and a fragmented regulatory landscape create barriers to trade and disrupt supply chains. Key issues range from data localisation mandates – which require companies to store and process data within national borders – to conflicting privacy and cybersecurity rules which increase compliance burdens. These fragmented regulatory approaches create uncertainty and act as non-tariff barriers to trade. They create inefficiencies, limit business opportunities and undermine the ability of companies to optimize supply chain operations, international scalability and competitiveness.  

    ICC recommendations: what can policymakers do to fix it? 

    1. Pursue new rules at the WTO to enable trusted, secure, and predictable cross-border data flows. 
    2. Promote risk-based approaches that differentiate between personal and non-personal data. 
    3. Ensure interoperable data standards and avoid blanket localisation requirements that require all data, regardless of type, to be stored locally. 
    4. Protect Confidential Business Information (CBI) in trade and data policies. 
    5. Invest in MSME-friendly digital trade ecosystems, including trusted trader programmes. 

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier urges U.S. to resolve trade disputes with China through dialogue, cooperation

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

    Chinese vice premier urges U.S. to resolve trade disputes with China through dialogue, cooperation

    LONDON, June 11 — The United States should resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has said.

    China reiterates that the United States should work with China to honor their words with actions, and demonstrate sincerity in keeping commitments and concrete efforts to implement consensus, so as to jointly safeguard the hard-won outcomes of dialogue, He said.

    He made the remarks during the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism held in London from Monday to Tuesday with U.S. lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: Europe Builds AI Infrastructure With NVIDIA to Fuel Region’s Next Industrial Transformation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • France, Italy and the United Kingdom Support Regional Technology and Cloud Providers Domyn, Mistral AI, Nebius and Nscale to Deploy More Than 3,000 Exaflops of NVIDIA Blackwell Systems for Sovereign AI
    • NVIDIA to Build AI Factory in Germany to Accelerate Industrial Manufacturing Applications in Europe
    • European Telcos Fastweb, Orange, Swisscom, Telefónica and Telenor Build AI Infrastructure With NVIDIA, Enabling Enterprises to Adopt and Build Agentic AI Applications
    • European Enterprises, Startups and Public Sector to Harness Regional NVIDIA Infrastructure to Develop and Deploy Agentic and Physical AI
    • NVIDIA Establishes AI Technology Centers Across Continent to Advance Research, Upskill Workforces and Accelerate Scientific Breakthroughs

    PARIS, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — —NVIDIA GTC Paris at VivaTech—NVIDIA today announced it is working with European nations, and technology and industry leaders, to build NVIDIA Blackwell AI infrastructure that will strengthen digital sovereignty, support economic growth and position the continent as a leader in the AI industrial revolution.

    France, Italy, Spain and the U.K. are among the nations building domestic AI infrastructure with an ecosystem of technology and cloud providers, including Domyn, Mistral AI, Nebius and Nscale, and telecommunications providers, including Orange, Swisscom, Telefónica and Telenor.

    These deployments will deliver more than 3,000 exaflops of NVIDIA Blackwell compute resources for sovereign AI, enabling European enterprises, startups and public sector organizations to securely develop, train and deploy agentic and physical AI applications.

    NVIDIA is establishing and expanding AI technology centers in Germany, Sweden, Italy, Spain, the U.K. and Finland. These centers build on NVIDIA’s history of collaborating with academic institutions and industry through the NVIDIA AI Technology Center program and NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute to develop the AI workforce and scientific discovery throughout the regions.

    “Every industrial revolution begins with infrastructure. AI is the essential infrastructure of our time, just as electricity and the internet once were,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “With bold leadership from Europe’s governments and industries, AI will drive transformative innovation and prosperity for generations to come.”

    “France is committed to investing in AI to strengthen our economy, benefit our citizens and uphold our values,” said Emmanuel Macron, president of the French Republic. “By working closely with our nation’s leading technology innovators and NVIDIA, we are equipping researchers, entrepreneurs and public institutions with the tools they need to explore new ideas, tackle complex challenges and help shape the future of AI for France.”

    “Just as coal and electricity once defined our past, AI is defining our future,” said U.K. Tech Secretary Peter Kyle. “NVIDIA’s expansion of its technology center here in the U.K. will be vital in helping us to deliver on our AI ambitions, and their partnership in building the capabilities that will transform our AI Growth Zones into engines of opportunity. This is our Plan for Change in action, bringing together leading innovators to build the compute infrastructure that will drive growth across every region and secure the U.K.’s place as a global AI leader in the age of AI.”

    “This agreement represents a strategic step toward strengthening Italy’s technological sovereignty and ensuring that our businesses have secure and competitive access to data management,” said Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso. “The collaboration with top-tier partners such as NVIDIA and Domyn confirms the government’s commitment in supporting high-level alliances to foster innovation and the competitiveness of the national production system.”

    Building Europe’s Foundation for AI Infrastructure and Innovation
    Building AI infrastructure requires strategic investment in advanced systems, land and facilities, sustainable energy access, skilled experts and partnerships. To accelerate the development of these national resources, NVIDIA is working with leaders across France, the U.K., Germany and Italy.

    In France, Mistral AI is working with NVIDIA to build an end-to-end cloud platform powered by 18,000 NVIDIA Grace Blackwell systems in the first phase, with plans to expand across multiple sites in 2026. This infrastructure will enable organizations across Europe to quickly develop and deploy AI using optimized Mistral AI models and validated AI factory designs, accelerating the adoption of agentic AI applications.

    In the U.K., NVIDIA is collaborating with NVIDIA Cloud Partners Nebius and Nscale to unlock advanced AI capabilities for enterprises and businesses of all sizes. At London Tech Week, the cloud providers announced the first phase of their AI infrastructure development plans to deploy 14,000 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs to power new data centers, making scalable, secure AI infrastructure widely accessible across the U.K.

    In Germany, NVIDIA and its partners are building the world’s first industrial AI cloud for European manufacturers. This AI factory will be powered by NVIDIA DGX™ B200 systems and NVIDIA RTX PRO™ Servers featuring 10,000 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs to enable Europe’s industrial leaders to accelerate every manufacturing application, from design, engineering and simulation to factory digital twins and robotics.

    In Italy, NVIDIA is working with Domyn and the government to advance the nation’s sovereign AI capabilities. Domyn is developing its Domyn Large Colosseum reasoning model on its supercomputer, Colosseum, with NVIDIA Grace Blackwell Superchips, in alignment with its mission to support regulated industries in adopting AI.

    European Telcos Build AI Infrastructure With NVIDIA for Regional Enterprises
    NVIDIA is also working with leading European telecommunications providers — including Orange, Fastweb, Swisscom, Telefónica and Telenor — to develop secure, scalable sovereign AI infrastructure across the region.

    • Orange is accelerating the development of enterprise-grade AI, including agentic AI, large language models and personal AI assistants, using Orange Business’ Cloud Avenue, built on high-performance NVIDIA infrastructure.
    • Fastweb introduced MIIA — an Italian language model to support generative AI applications — trained and running on its NVIDIA DGX AI supercomputer.
    • Telenor is expanding its sovereign AI infrastructure in Norway with a new, renewable-powered data center, in addition to hosting a partner’s multilingual AI translation service, available in over 100 languages.
    • Swisscom is launching new AI services, including GenAI Studio and AI Workhub hosted on its sovereign AI NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD™-based infrastructure, empowering Swiss enterprises to rapidly build and scale AI applications.
    • Telefónica is piloting a distributed edge AI fabric across Spain with hundreds of NVIDIA GPUs to deliver low-latency, privacy-focused AI services.

    These collaborations enable enterprises to develop and deploy customized AI models and agentic applications at scale, tapping into telcos’ extensive networks and trusted role as critical infrastructure providers.

    NVIDIA AI Technology Centers Fuel Research, Upskilling and Scientific Progress
    NVIDIA is establishing and expanding technology centers in Germany, Sweden, Italy, Spain, the U.K. and Finland to accelerate AI skills development, research and infrastructure for the continent’s enterprises and startups.

    • The Bavarian AI center in Germany, intended to be established in collaboration with the Bayern KI consortium, will advance research in fields including digital medicine, stable diffusion AI and open-source robotics platforms to foster global collaboration.
    • The Sweden AI center will advance world-class AI research with support from NVIDIA experts and hands-on NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute training to help with upskilling.
    • The Italy AI center will expand to include new AI factory deployments with the CINECA consortium.
    • The Spain AI center will expand to include a new AI factory with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center.
    • The U.K. AI center will accelerate the U.K.’s most groundbreaking research in embodied AI, materials science and Earth systems modeling.
    • The Finland AI center enables researchers to accelerate AI research and applications for computer vision, machine learning and AI for science.

    These strategic initiatives across Europe build on NVIDIA investments in building AI infrastructure worldwide, including in Taiwan and the Middle East.

    Watch the NVIDIA GTC Paris keynote from Huang at VivaTech, and explore GTC Paris sessions.

    About NVIDIA
    NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    For further information, contact:
    Corporate Communications
    NVIDIA Corporation
    press@nvidia.com

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: with bold leadership from Europe’s governments and industries, AI driving transformative innovation and prosperity for generations to come; technology development in European nations; the benefits, impact, performance, and availability of NVIDIA’s products, services, and technologies; expectations with respect to NVIDIA’s third party arrangements, including with its collaborators and partners; expectations with respect to technology developments; and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic and political conditions; NVIDIA’s reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test NVIDIA’s products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to NVIDIA’s existing product and technologies; market acceptance of NVIDIA’s products or NVIDIA’s partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of NVIDIA’s products or technologies when integrated into systems; and changes in applicable laws and regulations, as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DGX, NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD and NVIDIA RTX PRO are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1aeac85d-7ea3-4ada-98c2-c199a10e8d84

    The MIL Network