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  • MIL-OSI China: Eagle Yang’s reputation soars after US tryouts

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

    A virtual unknown before the draft combine, China’s NBA prospect Yang Hansen has introduced himself, big time, to league scouts, with his impressive outing at the trial camp turning heads.

    Dubbed “baby Jokic” by his Chinese fans, Yang has finally put his intriguing blend of size, skills and basketball IQ on display for club executives in the NBA, after the 19-year-old center, a fan of three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, completed last week’s Draft Combine in Chicago with flying colors.

    The Qingdao Eagles’ Yang Hansen (L)  goes for a layup during the game against the Zhejiang Lions at the 2024-2025 CBA league in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

    After being scrutinized in a series of physical tests, skill drills, interviews and five-on-five scrimmages at the combine event, Yang has significantly raised his draft stock, according to multiple United States media platforms and draft analysts, with the young pro having emerged as a potential first-round pick, from his projected mid-second round slot before the tryout.

    At the combine, which gathered 75 top prospects from the US collegiate system, the G-League and overseas programs, Yang measured solidly.

    He stands at a towering 7-foot-1 (2.16-meters) without shoes (2nd overall), posting a 9-foot-3 standing reach (fourth overall). He also ranked fifth among all the centers in the shuttle run, lane agility and three-quarter sprint at the event, showing excellent mobility and coordination for a post player of his stature.

    Through a total 37 minutes from two scrimmages, Yang showed off his size and all-around game for the first time under the watchful eyes of NBA franchise scouts and front-office staff, after honing his game for two years playing in the CBA with the Qingdao Eagles.

    Despite his current weaknesses in conditioning, strength and speed in defensive rotations, Yang contributed 12 points, on 5-for-7 shooting, and two assists in his first scrimmage, and backed it up with another 11 points on 75 percent shooting, six assists and six rebounds in the second.

    He certainly stood out, to say the least.

    “No matter Yang’s short-term future, it’s clear he improved his standing while in Chicago, and is now firmly on NBA radars, even if he still has work to do on his game,” ESPN basketball insider Jonathan Givony wrote in his draft analysis.

    Another ESPN pundit Jeremy Woo agreed, saying that the scrimmages really worked well to enhance Yang’s draft prospects.

    “Overall, Yang looked like he belonged at the combine, and held his own against an experienced, physical opponent in Michigan’s Vlad Goldin, exceeding expectations for many who were unfamiliar with him coming in,” Woo wrote in his analysis.

    After watching Yang’s performance in Chicago, Derek Parker, a Draft Digest staff writer with Sports Illustrated, listed the young Chinese national team member as one of the surprises of the combine camp.

    And he believes Yang is still just scratching the surface of his huge potential as an all-rounder.

    “Yang likely won’t be able to avoid G-League time if drafted, given how high the skill jump to the NBA will be, and certain negatives like conditioning and foot speed,” Parker wrote.

    “But, there’s a very real chance that, with his feel for the game — and most notably his high passing prowess for a big man — that he could play NBA minutes down the road.

    “Should any singular team fall in love with his skill set as a potential passing hub with scoring and defensive upside, he could very well earn first-round buzz at this year’s draft.”

    Yang’s relatively stronger-than-expected performance at the combine event, however, should be kept in perspective, with most projected lottery picks, such as toppick favorite Cooper Flagg of Duke, sitting out all the scrimmages.

    The humble youngster seems to have dealt all the hype and buzz with a cool head.

    “The small exam has been done. It went quite smoothly overall,” Yang posted on his social media account on Sunday.

    “I appreciate all the encouragement and support. Yet, I should face the gap between myself at the moment, and the highest level, with an objective eye. Whatever result it brings, each step counts on the journey,” said Yang, who will turn 20 on June 26 — the night of the draft in Brooklyn, New York.

    Developed in Qingdao’s youth system, Yang first garnered international attention when he led China to a third-place finish at the FIBA U18 Asian Championship in 2022.

    He then tallied 12.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists and a tournament-leading 5 blocks at the U19 World Cup in Hungary, where he was named on the youth tourney’s All-Second Team.

    In only his second professional season in the CBA, Yang has averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.6 blocks per game in 45 starts with the Qingdao Eagles in the 2024-25 regular season, before leading the No 8 seed into quarterfinals of the playoffs, where Qingdao was narrowly edged out 3-2 by the league-leading Zhejiang Lions in the best-of-five series last month.

    Having been selected into the All-CBA first team in his first two seasons, Yang’s untapped potential, despite being relatively unknown to fans abroad, became evident in the US when Klutch Sports Group, a sports agency founded by LeBron James’ business partner Rich Paul, signed him in January.

    Yang met Paul right after arriving in Los Angeles earlier this month for the Draft Combine, and will continue attending tryouts after being invited by a growing list of NBA franchises, according to Klutch Sports Group.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese researchers uncover new microbial species aboard space station

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

    Researchers have announced the discovery of a new microbial species in China’s space station for the first time, naming it Niallia tiangongensis, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

    As one of Earth’s most ancient and diverse life forms, microorganisms are minuscule yet ubiquitous. The newly discovered species represents previously unknown microbes that had never been documented or studied by scientists.

    The space station’s unique environment, characterized by microgravity, radiation, confinement and nutrient limitations, has long fascinated researchers due to its potential for harboring unknown microbial species.

    In May 2023, the Shenzhou-15 crew collected surface microbial samples using sterile wipes, preserving them at low temperatures in orbit. Subsequent ground analysis revealed the novel Niallia tiangongensis species, confirmed through multidisciplinary methods including morphological analysis, genome sequencing, phylogenetic studies and metabolic profiling, the CMSA said.

    Microorganisms employ unique biological mechanisms to adapt to space environment stresses, which in turn shape their metabolic and physiological characteristics.

    Niallia tiangongensis demonstrates exceptional stress resistance, maintaining cellular redox balance and ensuring robust growth in extreme conditions by regulating bacillithiol (BSH) biosynthesis to counteract space-induced oxidative stress, according to the CMSA.

    It exhibits distinctive capabilities in biofilm formation and radiation damage repair, making it a highly adaptable “all-rounder” for space environments.

    This discovery offers new scientific insights: the new species adaptation mechanisms could inform targeted microbial control strategies with applications in aerospace, agriculture, industry and healthcare. Additionally, its ability to utilize organic compounds suggests promising pathways for sustainable resource use.

    As China’s space station continues long-term operation, researchers anticipate significant advances in studying microbial bioactive compounds, genetic resources and metabolic functions, potentially yielding substantial benefits for Earth-based scientific and practical applications.

    The related scientific findings were published online in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Growing cultural pride fuels China’s archaeology tourism boom

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

    Tourists enter Suzhou Archaeological Museum in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province on May 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Shuo)

    The overwhelming number of visitors flocking to the newly opened Suzhou Archaeological Museum came as a surprise to the curator Cheng Yi.

    Cheng said he had expected 3,000 to 4,000 visitors at most on the first day, mostly those with archaeological knowledge or professionals in the field. “We ended up receiving 7,000 to 8,000 people — many of them ordinary citizens and tourists from outside the city,” he said.

    Located in the eastern city of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, the museum opened on May 17, right before China Tourism Day and International Museum Day, which fall on Monday and Sunday, respectively.

    Cheng believes the upcoming Children’s Day, which coincides with the Dragon Boat Festival holiday from May 31 to June 2, will bring another peak in visitors, as the museum will hold a special exhibition of ancient toys unearthed in Suzhou for the occasion. An even greater influx is expected during the summer holidays.

    Suzhou Archaeological Museum reflects a growing nationwide enthusiasm for archaeology-themed tourism. In recent years, archaeological and historical museums across China have become trending destinations, often requiring online reservations and drawing long queues.

    People have not only gained interest in traditionally famous museums like the Palace Museum, but are also eager to explore remote ancient sites such as Yanmen Pass in Shanxi Province.

    According to Cheng, it is meaningful to build such an archaeological museum in Suzhou, which was a hub of cultural and economic exchanges in the Yangtze River Delta in ancient times, and the significance is beyond public archaeological education. “It also stirs pride in our hometown,” he said.

    He believes the country’s economic development and growing national strength have played a significant part in fostering public interest in history and culture.

    “In the past, when people struggled to make a living, they wouldn’t think about these things. Today, people feel proud of China’s achievements. This represents the revival of an ancient civilization,” he said.

    Cheng noted that the country is also vigorously promoting a national project on tracing the origins of Chinese civilization, and as more and more cultural relics are unearthed, the 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization is being substantiated.

    As archaeology as an academic discipline becomes more widely known to the public, Cheng believes that presenting the full process from relics’ excavation to museum display both meets the needs of professionals and captures the interest of the general public.

    A hallmark of archaeological museums, according to Cheng, is that the exhibits are authentic, since they were all unearthed by experts and verified through scientific methods before display.

    “What was this object used for?” “Who was buried here?” “Are all the relics real?” Cheng was surrounded by visitors bombarding him with such questions.

    Many visitors were interested in a large tomb of the ancient Eastern Wu state. It is believed to have belonged to the family of Sun Quan, founding king of the Wu State during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), though the exact identity of the tomb’s occupant remains unknown.

    Despite having been looted, the large tomb has largely retained its structure, with its architectural design, passageways, and side chambers all faithfully presented. After its excavation was completed in 2018, the tomb was divided into parts and stored at a facility due to the lack of a proper display venue, until the Suzhou Archaeological Museum was constructed. The tomb parts were carefully delivered to the museum and recombined to show visitors the tomb’s original appearance.

    A 62-year-old visitor excitedly took pictures and repeatedly told nearby visitors his childhood memories about the tomb. “I used to live here as a child and played on these mounds,” said the visitor who declined to give his name. “I had no idea that such a grand tomb lay underneath.”

    Yan Xinfeng, a warehouse keeper who moved from Sanmenxia in central China’s Henan Province to work in Suzhou years ago, is a fan of historical dramas and often visits museums. “After visiting this archaeological museum, I realized Suzhou’s history is older than I thought, and ancient people were far more advanced than I imagined, as they created so many such intricate items,” he said. “I feel proud.”

    After visiting, 9-year-old Xu Xuhan said she was impressed by a hairpin unearthed from the Eastern Wu tomb, which might help identify the tomb’s owner.

    “I love history and want to know how our civilization started,” she said. The third-grader has not yet taken history lessons at primary school, but said she had learnt a lot from a number of museums across China she visited with her parents.

    “I want to become an archaeologist when I grow up,” she said.

    Many of the exhibits at the museum are newly discovered artifacts that help fill gaps in archaeological knowledge from the Neolithic Liangzhu culture, to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods (770 B.C.-221 B.C.) and beyond.

    For instance, a pottery shard offers clues that the Wu and Yue regions, which cover the current-day Suzhou, were once under the rule of the Qin Empire (221 B.C.-207 B.C.), as the Chinese characters inscribed on it were written in the Qin script. Numerous other artifacts on display also support the idea that the area was a hub of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

    More notably, the museum also houses archaeological tools and explains excavation methods to highlight archaeology as a science and dispel public misconceptions.

    “There was a time when people thought archaeology was just tomb-raiding,” Cheng said. He added that the museum is looking to use virtual reality and artificial intelligence in the future to let the public experience archaeological digs firsthand.

    As China places greater emphasis on history and culture, and as traditional Chinese aesthetics grow in popularity among the public, more museums of this kind will open to the public across the country, Cheng believes.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: AMD Introduces New Radeon Graphics Cards and Ryzen Threadripper Processors at COMPUTEX 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Radeon RX 9060 XT brings next-gen gaming experiences and FSR 4 ML-powered upscaling to mainstream users –

    – Threadripper 9000 Series and Radeon AI PRO R9700 redefine workstation and high-end desktop performance with full-spectrum compute and local AI processing –

    TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At COMPUTEX 2025, AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) unveiled its latest breakthroughs in high-performance computing with the launch of Radeon™ RX 9060 XT and Radeon™ AI PRO R9700 graphics cards, and Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 9000 Series processors. Engineered to address the toughest workloads in gaming, content creation, professional industries and AI development, these new processors push the boundaries of what’s possible.

    “These announcements underscore our commitment to continue delivering industry-leading innovation across our product portfolio,” said Jack Huynh, senior vice president and general manager, Computing and Graphics Group at AMD. “The Radeon RX 9060 XT and Radeon AI PRO R9700 bring the performance and AI capabilities of RDNA 4 to workstations and gamers all around the world, while our new Ryzen Threadripper 9000 Series sets the new standard for high-end desktops and professional workstations. Together, these solutions represent our vision for empowering creators, gamers, and professionals with the performance and efficiency to push boundaries and drive creativity.”

    The new Radeon RX 9060 XT GPUs are powered by the advanced AMD RDNA™ 4 architecture and deliver smooth, responsive 1440p gaming with FSR 4 ML-enhanced upscaling, and accelerated ray tracing. For those who build worlds, tell stories through pixels, or chase victory in esports, these cards offer the performance and intelligence to elevate every experience.

    AMD also announced the Radeon™ AI PRO R9700, a new GPU built on AMD RDNA™ 4 architecture with second-generation AMD AI accelerators. With 32GB of graphics memory and PCIe® Gen 5 support, it’s designed for local AI inference, model finetuning, and complex creative workloads, with scalability for multi-GPU systems.

    AMD also introduced the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 WX-Series and Ryzen Threadripper 9000 Series processors — bringing record-setting core counts, massive memory bandwidth, and next-gen platform capabilities to professional and enthusiast desktops. Whether rendering cinematic VFX, simulating real-world physics, or locally fine-tuning billion-parameter AI models, these processors are built to break bottlenecks and accelerate innovation.

    AMD Powers Next-Gen Gaming Infused with AI
    Designed to unlock ultra-smooth gaming at 1440p, the Radeon RX 9060 XT is built for players who expect more. Equipped with up to 16GB of GDDR6 memory and 32 AMD RDNA 4 compute units, the GPU doubles ray tracing throughput compared to the previous generation, providing gamers with more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections that bring virtual worlds to life.

    Second-generation AI accelerators power features like FidelityFX™ Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4), which uses machine learning to boost frame rates and image fidelity under even the most demanding rendering conditions. HYPR-RX delivers a full suite of optimizations, including Radeon Super Resolution and Fluid Motion Frames for lightning-fast response times and immersive, tear-free visuals. With support for FP8 data types and structured sparsity, the RX 9060 XT is ready for the next generation of AI-assisted gameplay, creative tools, and generative experiences.

    Model Compute
    Units    		 VRAM Game
    Clock
    (GHz)    		 Boost
    Clock    1
    (GHz)    		 Memory
    Interface    		 Infinity
    Cache    		 TBP Price
    (USD
    SEP)
    AMD Radeon™ RX 9060 XT 8GB 32 8 GB 2.53 Up to 3.13 128-bit 32 MB Starting at 150W $299
    AMD Radeon™ RX 9060 XT 16GB 32 16 GB 2.53 Up to 3.13 128-bit 32 MB Starting at 160W $349


    Pricing and Availability
    AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics cards are expected to be available from leading board partners including Acer, ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, PowerColor, Sapphire, Vastarmor, XFX and Yeston, beginning later this year. The AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT 8GB has an SEP of $299 USD, while the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB has an SEP of $349 USD.  

    AMD Radeon AI PRO R9700: Built for AI-Powered Workstations
    Professionals advancing AI development can rely on the AMD Radeon™ AI PRO R9700 to accelerate local inference, model finetuning, and other data-heavy workflows. With second-generation AI accelerators delivering up to 2x the throughput of the previous generation2 and full support for the ROCm™ software stack on Linux, with support for ROCm™ on Windows coming soon, the R9700 is built for high-performance AI with on-device control and flexibility.

    The Radeon AI PRO R9700 also scales effectively in multi-GPU configurations, expanding memory and compute capacity for large models and parallel tasks. This flexibility makes it ideal for advanced workstations tackling complex simulations, real-time rendering, or concurrent AI workloads.

    Model Compute
    Units    		 VRAM Game
    Clock
    (GHz)    		 Boost
    Clock    1
    (GHz)    		 Memory
    Interface    		 Infinity
    Cache    		 TBP
    AMD Radeon™ AI PRO R9700 64 32 GB 2.35 Up to 2.92 256-bit 64 MB 300W


    Pricing and Availability
    The new Radeon AI PRO R9700 is expected to be available from leading board partners starting in July 2025.
            
    Ryzen Threadripper 9000 Series Workstations Processors Redefine Performance
    The new AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 WX-Series and Threadripper 9000 Series processors are purpose-built to handle the most demanding multi-threaded workloads and empower professionals to bring complex visions to life faster than ever.

    At the top of the stack, the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX offers 96 cores and 192 threads, ideal for visual effects, simulation, and AI model development. With up to 384MB of L3 cache and 128 lanes of PCIe® 5.0 connectivity, these processors make short work of large datasets, multi-GPU workloads, and memory-intensive applications. All PRO models come equipped with AMD PRO technologies for enterprise-grade security, manageability, and platform stability, helping to simplify IT operations.

    For enthusiasts and creators who demand workstation-grade compute in a high-end desktop (HEDT) platform, the Ryzen Threadripper 9000 Series offers up to 64 cores, enabling efficient content creation, rapid compiling, and local AI training without the need to offload to the cloud, helping to reduce cost, latency and improve privacy.

    Model Cores/Threads Base
    Frequency    		 Boost
    Frequency1    		 TDP Total
    Cache
    AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 9995WX 96 C / 192 T 2.5 GHz 5.4 GHz 350W 480 MB
    AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 9985WX 64 C / 128 T 3.2 GHz 5.4 GHz 350W 320 MB
    AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 9975WX 32 C / 64 T 4.0 GHz 5.4 GHz 350W 160 MB
    AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 9965WX 24 C / 48 T 4.2 GHz 5.4 GHz 350W 152 MB
    AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 9955WX 16 C / 32 T 4.5 GHz 5.4 GHz 350W 80 MB
    AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 9945WX 12 C / 24 T 4.7 GHz 5.4 GHz 350W 76 MB
    AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 9980X 64 C / 128 T 3.2 GHz 5.4 GHz 350W 320 MB
    AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 9970X 32 C / 64 T 4.0 GHz 5.4 GHz 350W 160 MB
    AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 9960X 24 C / 48 T 4.2 GHz 5.4 GHz 350W 152 MB


    Pricing and Availability
    The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 WX-Series processors are expected to be available from MNCs, including Dell, HP and Lenovo, and Supermicro, as well as system integrators starting later this year. High-end desktop platforms featuring AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9000 Series processors, as well as DIY Ryzen Threadripper 9000 Series and select Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 WX-Series processors, will be available from retailers starting July 2025.

    AMD Continue to Deliver the Future of AI PCs
    During the keynote, Jack Huynh was joined by ASUS Co-CEO S.Y. Hsu to introduce the new ASUS Expert P Series Copilot+ PCs, the next-generation commercial PCs designed to bring AI acceleration to the enterprise. Powered by up to AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO 300 Series processors, these systems offer up-to 50+ TOPS of NPU performance, enabling fast, efficient AI-enhanced productivity in top-of-the-line business platforms. Featuring AMD PRO Technologies, Ryzen AI PRO Series processors deliver the enterprise-grade security and manageability features needed for the modern IT environment.

    “We’re proud to deepen our collaboration with AMD as we usher in a new era of AI-powered computing,” said S.Y. Hsu, Co-CEO of ASUS. “With the addition of the new Expert series — built from the ground up to revolutionize performance and efficiency for the modern workplace — to our broad AI PC portfolio, and commitment to innovation, we aim to deliver next-gen AI experiences that empower users everywhere.”

    “At Lenovo, we’re committed to delivering AI PCs that are not only powerful, but truly personal and productive. Our long-standing collaboration with AMD continues to drive this vision forward — from high-performance laptops to innovative workstations. Together, we’re enabling faster, smarter computing experiences for every kind of user. We’re especially excited about what’s coming next in our ThinkStation P8 workstation, where AMD’s latest high-performance Ryzen Threadripper PRO processors will unlock new possibilities for creators and professionals alike,” said Luca Rossi, President, Intelligent Devices Group, Lenovo.

    Supporting Resources 

    • Learn more about AMD at COMPUTEX 2025 here
    • Learn more AMD Radeon Graphics cards here   
    • Learn more about AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution here  
    • Learn more about Adrenalin Edition AI software here 
    • Learn more about HYPR-RX profiles here 
    • Learn more about Radeon AI PRO Graphics cards here
    • Learn more about AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors here 
    • Learn more about AMD PRO Technologies here 
    • Follow AMD on LinkedIn 
    • Follow AMD on X 

    About AMD 
    For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies. Billions of people, leading Fortune 500 businesses and cutting-edge scientific research institutions around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work and play. AMD employees are focused on building leadership high-performance and adaptive products that push the boundaries of what is possible. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, LinkedIn and X pages. 

    ____________________________________________
    1     Boost Clock Frequency is the maximum frequency achievable on the GPU running a bursty workload. Boost clock achievability, frequency, and sustainability will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to: thermal conditions and variation in applications and workloads. GD-151.
    2 Testing as of 3/11/2025 by AMD. Average performance of multiple runs for “How long would it take for a ball dropped from 10 meter height to hit the ground?“ and “Summarize the following in exactly five lines: [Insert Scene 1 Act 1 of Romeo and Juliet]”, drop edge cases where the model starts overthinking (more than 2k thinking tokens) to standardize response length. No speculative decode. All tests conducted on LM Studio 0.3.12 and Vulkan llama.cpp 1.18 with 100% GPU offload for AMD. NVIDIA-recommended CUDA llama.cpp used for RTX 4090 with NVIDIA-recommended 50% GPU offload (https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/ai-decoded-lm-studio/). Models tested: DeepSeek R1 Qwen 32b Q8 and DeepSeek R1 Llama 70b Q4 K M. System specifications: AMD Ryzen™ 7700X, 64GB DDR5 RAM 4800 MT/s, Windows 11 24H2 26100.2894, AMD Radeon™ PRO W7900 48GB and W7800 48GB using Adrenalin 25.1.1 Optional vs AMD Ryzen™ 9800X3D, 32GB DDR5 RAM 6000 MT/s.,Windows 11 24H2 26100.2894 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090. GeForce 572.70. Performance may vary. RPW-493.

    Contact:
    Stacy MacDiarmid
    AMD Communications
    +1 512-658-2265
    Stacy.MacDiarmid@amd.com

    Liz Stine
    AMD Investor Relations
    +1 720-652-3965
    Liz.Stine@amd.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3fb45eaf-59b5-4ca5-af70-411984cb93a1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASUS and AMD Jointly Unveil Full 2025 Expert P Series Lineup at AMD Keynote

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  ASUS and AMD today jointly announced the launch of the all-new ASUS Expert P-series Copilot+ PCs at Computex 2025, spotlighting its leadership in the commercial AI PC space. Powered by the latest AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series processors, the new lineup includes ExpertBook P3 (PM3) laptop, ExpertCenter P700 (PM700MK, PM700SK) desktops, ExpertCenter P600 (PM640, PM670) all-in-one PCs, and ExpertCenter PN54 Mini PC.

    These next-generation business devices are engineered to deliver lightning-fast AI computing, seamless productivity, and enhanced security for working professionals — all within a future-ready, sustainable design.

    “We’re proud to deepen our collaboration with AMD as we usher in a new era of AI-powered computing. At ASUS, we believe AI will fundamentally transform the PC — from system architecture to real-world applications,” said S.Y. Hsu, ASUS Co-CEO. “With the addition of the new Expert series — built from the ground up to revolutionize performance and efficiency for the modern workplace — to our broad AI PC portfolio, and commitment to innovation, we aim to deliver next-gen AI experiences that empower users everywhere.”

    ASUS ExpertBook P3 series

    Leading the charge is the ExpertBook P3 Series, the fastest ASUS ExpertBook AI PC to date. Available in 14-inch (PM3406) and 16-inch (PM3606) variants, ExpertBook P3 is powered by up to AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO 7 processors and offers up to 66 total TOPS of AI performance. It features ExpertCool thermal technology that keeps its cool whether opened or closed, a full metal chassis, and a full array of I/O ports positioned to enhance comfort and mouse movement.

    AMD Ryzen PRO processors provide business users with 18 months of planned software stability, 24 months of planned availability, and a rigorous platform validation process to ensure long-term quality.

    ASUS ExpertCenter P600 series

    The ExpertCenter P600 series represents the first Copilot+ PC all-in-one from ASUS, available in both 24-inch (PM640) and 27-inch screen (PM670) sizes. Designed for privacy and performance, P600 delivers up to 50 TOPS of dedicated NPU power for real-time content creation, and includes a retractable camera, wide-view FHD touchscreen, and business-grade durability. Microsoft Copilot is integrated for seamless collaboration.

    ASUS ExpertCenter P700 series

    Similarly, the ExpertCenter P700 series debuts as the first Copilot+ PC desktop from ASUS, offered in mini tower (PM700MK) and small-form factor (PM700SK) options. With up to 50 TOPS of AI compute power, a tool-free chassis, and MIL-STD-810H durability, it’s built to power through every business scenario.

    ASUS ExpertCenter PN54 Mini PC

    Completing the P series is the ExpertCenter PN54 Mini PC, which brings Copilot+ capabilities to a palm-sized form factor, making it the ideal solution for space-constrained environments such as kiosks, retail setups, and minimalist workstations. Despite its compact design, PN54 delivers robust performance and AI acceleration, enabling smarter workflows and seamless multitasking in any setting.

    Comprehensive AI tools and enterprise-grade security

    All ASUS ExpertBook and ExpertCenter P-series models come equipped with ASUS AI ExpertMeet and ASUS ExpertGuardian — powerful tools that are available today to enhance collaboration and ensure business-grade protection.

    AI ExpertMeet is our exclusive on-device assistant that elevates meeting experiences with AI-powered translation, meeting transcript and summary. ExpertGuardian provides all-around protection from hardware and software to firmware. P-series machines are also engineered with a commercial-grade, NIST SP 800-155-compliant BIOS, built-in TPM 2.0 and five years of ASUS BIOS and driver-updates support, offering layered security from software to firmware to hardware.

    ASUS also offers all-around and added-value support for businesses of all sizes to maximize efficiency and minimize IT-management overhead. Our flexibility, world-class experience and instant support lets you focus on growing your business to incredible heights.

    AVAILABILITY & PRICING

    The new ASUS ExpertBook P3 powered by up to the AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO 7 processors are expected to be available in Canada starting from late Q3 2025.

    The new ExpertCenter P series with the new AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series processors is expected to be available in Canada in early Q1 2026.

    Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    ASUS ExpertBook laptops: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/business/laptops/expertbook/

    ASUS ExpertCenter desktops: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/displays-desktops/tower-pcs/expertcenter/

    ASUS Business website: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/business/

    ASUS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asus/posts/

    ASUS Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/asus-business/

    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

    ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/

    ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca

    ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube

    ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus

    About ASUS

    ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1f3f4814-2879-465c-823a-62d00d90bcc9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Is taking photos on a plane allowed?

    Source:

    Reviewed May 2025

    Can passengers take photos and videos on a plane? That’s a good question when most of us have easy access to our phones and inflight Wi-Fi being increasingly offered to passengers. Another public setting where this question might arise is recording of patients and staff in hospitals. Read our AskUs answer to the question, ‘Can I record someone without telling them?‘

    An important consideration is whether the recording is taking place in a public or private space. Generally, the Privacy Act says taking photos or recordings in public places is allowed. It also depends on who is taking the photo or making the recording, and whether the photos could be categorised as highly offensive.

    Businesses

    If you’re an agency (business or organisation) or if you’re taking the photo or making the recording on behalf of a business or agency, you need to consider the general obligations around collection of personal information (see principles 1-4 of the Privacy Act).

    Individuals

    If you are an individual and you’re taking the photo or making the recording in a personal capacity, it won’t usually be an issue under the Privacy Act. Most passengers on planes and visitors to hospitals will fall into this category, and if they were to make a recording on a flight, it will be in their personal capacity. But there are two things that a passenger should keep in mind.

    1. It is always good practice to seek permission when an individual is the subject of your photo or recording. This is courteous and respectful of the privacy of others
    2. The use of some public facilities, for instance, parks or swimming pools, will be subject to conditions that may impose limits on what you can film or record. For example, many swimming pools have clearly stated policies that photos and recordings are not permitted. Similar restrictions could apply to a passenger planeor a hospital.

    While a commercial space like a passenger plane is essentially a public space, the airline may impose rules around whether a passenger can film or record. It can set this out in its passenger terms and conditions and in its passenger education.

    However, the personal capacity exemption does not apply where the collection, use or disclosure could be “highly offensive”. This means there are circumstances where it generally isn’t appropriate for individuals to take photos or make recordings, even when they’re in a public space.

    Emergencies

    Is it acceptable for other passengers to film a mid-air medical emergency involving another passenger and post it online? We don’t think so. A medical situation would likely involve sensitive information about an individual who is vulnerable, and so this could be considered highly offensive.

    In our view, an incident that may be embarrassing to an airline does not mean it is highly offensive. The case involving United Airlines and David Dao on a US domestic flight is a famous example. In this case, video taken by other passengers of Mr Dao being forcibly removed from the flight after he refused to give up his seat was used as key evidence.

    What happens when people disagree? 

    Individual passengers and air crew may disagree about whether photos or recordings are acceptable. Ultimately, all parties should exercise restraint, consideration and common sense on a flight, as they should in other walks of life. If you wouldn’t want someone to do it to you, don’t do it to others.

    , , , ,

    Back

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ14: Promoting research and development of Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Tang Fei and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (May 21):
     
    Question:
     
    According to a research publication released by the Legislative Council Secretariat last month, the number of research and development (R&D) personnel per million population in Hong Kong is significantly lower than that of neighbouring regions, and the proportion of local research postgraduates is continuously declining. There are views that research postgraduates also face multiple challenges in employment and the transformation of research outcomes. If such issues are not addressed in a timely manner, Hong Kong’s future innovation development and economic restructuring will be affected. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) given that according to the aforesaid research publication, Hong Kong currently has only 4 809 researchers per million population, lagging far behind Singapore and South Korea, whether the Government has drawn up specific measures to attract and nurture local R&D talent, particularly in STEM fields; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; whether it has set specific targets and timelines to increase the number of local R&D personnel in the next three years;
     
    (2) given that according to the aforesaid research publication, in the 2022-2023 academic year, only 63 per cent of research postgraduates from universities funded by the University Grants Committee secured full-time employment within six months after graduation, and only 11.6 per cent of graduates could manage to find jobs directly related to their studies, whether the Government has tailor-made support measures to address the employment challenges faced by research postgraduates, so as to help them maximise their potential and meet the needs of the local R&D industry; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) as there are views pointing out that while Hong Kong’s R&D outcomes reach international standards, they fall short in terms commercialisation and industrialisation, whether the Government will strengthen efforts to promote industry-academia-research collaboration to enhance the industrialisation of R&D outcomes and foster the development of an innovative economy; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    The Government has all along been dedicated to promoting the development of innovation and technology (I&T), with a view to driving economic restructuring and more diversified development. Apart from the nation’s clear support for Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub under the 14th Five-Year Plan, the recently promulgated 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education also proposed to establish an integrated co-ordinating mechanism for education, technology and talent, strengthening the supportive role of education for science and talent, closely tying in with the development of technological innovative centres in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the development of a highland for high-level calibre and platform for attracting talent, and enhancing the overall efficacy of the innovation system.
     
    The replies from the Education Bureau and the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau to the Hon Tang Fei’s question are as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) The Government has been expanding the local research and I&T talent pool through a multi-pronged approach. On the front of nurturing talent, the Government guides the University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities to align their planning with the nation’s strategy of invigorating China through science and education, and support the goal of developing Hong Kong into an international I&T hub, including setting the key performance indicators in the 2022 Policy Address with 35 per cent of the students pursuing UGC-funded programmes to study in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) subjects. In addition, publicly-funded research postgraduate (RPg) places have been gradually increased from 5 595 in the 2022/23 academic year to 7 200 places in the 2024/25 academic year. Together with the gradual uplift of the over-enrolment ceiling from 70 per cent in the 2021/22 academic year to 100 per cent, institutions could flexibly enrol 14 400 RPg students at most, which is an increase of more than half, to constantly expand the I&T and research talents of Hong Kong.
     
    Additionally, the STEM Internship Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) subsidises undergraduates and postgraduates taking full-time STEM-related programmes to enrol in short-term internships, so as to foster their interest early in pursuing careers in I&T after graduation. The Research Talent Hub under the ITC also provides funding support for eligible companies or organisations to engage university graduates to conduct research and development (R&D) work.
     
    For attracting talent front, the InnoHK Research Clusters has successfully attracted R&D talents from all over the world to Hong Kong, with over 2 500 local, overseas and Mainland researchers involved, and has provided training for over 1 200 PhD students. The ITC will launch the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme, with a view to attracting international top-notch talents to conduct basic research in frontier technologies in Hong Kong and nurture local researchers.
     
    According to the report “Hong Kong Innovation Activities Statistics 2023” released by the Census and Statistics Department in December 2024, the number of R&D personnel has reached 43 403 in 2023, which has increased steadily over the years.
     
    (3) With an aim to enhance the I&T ecosystem and Hong Kong’s competitiveness on the I&T front, the Government has been promoting collaboration among the industry, academic and research sectors through various measures, and adopting a multi-pronged approach to support commercialisation of R&D outcomes of local universities. For example, the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) funds, on a matching basis, research teams from universities with good potential to become successful start-ups to transform and commercialise their R&D outcomes, while industry sponsorship is a mandatory requirement. Furthermore, the ITF will continue to provide annual funding to the Technology Transfer Office of each of the eight UGC-funded universities, thereby supporting the development of innovative ideas and R&D outcomes into new products or services. The R&D centres set up by the Government have also been taking forward industry-driven applied R&D work that suits market needs and transferring technologies to the industries through contract researches, licensing arrangements, etc to commercialise their R&D outcomes. Meanwhile, the Government facilitated the establishment of the Hong Kong New Industrialisation Development Alliance. Pooling together talent and resources from various fields, the Alliance aims to serve as a platform for collaboration among the Government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors. With a view to promoting co-operation among enterprises and organisations, we believe that the Alliance will also be conducive to the promotion of transformation and commercialisation of R&D outcomes.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ ‘running out of patience’ – Peters lashes Israel over Gaza aid blockade

    RNZ News

    New Zealand has joined 23 other countries calling out Israel and demanding a full supply of foreign aid be allowed into the territory.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Morning Report today it was “intolerable” that Israel had blocked any aid reaching residents for many weeks.

    The UN is warning that 14,000 babies are estimated to be suffering severe acute malnutrition in Gaza and ideally they need to get supplies within 48 hours.

    The UK, France and Canada have expressed their frustration, with the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy telling Parliament the war in Gaza had entered a “dark new phase” and the UK was cancelling trade talks with Israel.

    Although the situation had come about because of acts of terrorism by Hamas, for residents in Gaza it had become “intolerable”, Peters told Morning Report.

    “We’ve had enough of this and we want the matter resolved and now.”

    A full resumption of aid should have happened a long time ago and it was essential that the United Nations be involved in delivering it.

    ‘Had enough of it’
    “… we’ve just simply had enough of it, utterly so [from Israel].”

    The statement by the countries reaffirmed what had been said for a long time that Israel must make aid available.

    New Zealand also opposed Israel’s latest expansion of military operations in Gaza, Peters said.

    The Palestinian Authority and countries such as Egypt and Indonesia understood New Zealand’s position.

    “We just want to sort this out and the long-term thing [Palestinians’ future alongside Israel] has got to be resolved as well.

    “Israel needs to get the message very clear — we are running out of patience and hearing excuses.”

    Asked if the Israeli ambassador should be called in so the message could be conveyed more clearly, he said it would be a symbolic gesture that would not help starving babies.

    Israel already knew what this country’s stance was, he said.

    It was an appalling situation that had started with “unforgivable terrorism” but Israel had gone “far too far” in its response, Peters said.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Win tickets to fly Bendigo to Sydney as Bendigo Airport celebrates milestone

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Bendigo Airport is buzzing with excitement as it celebrates a major milestone – over 100,000 passengers have enjoyed the QantasLink Bendigo to Sydney flight service.

    To mark this incredible achievement, Bendigo Airport is launching an exciting competition with four Qantas return flight tickets to Sydney up for grabs.

    Bendigo Airport Manager Vicki Bayliss said the 100,000-passenger milestone illustrated the growing success of the regional airport service.

    “In April 2019, the city welcomed the arrival of QantasLink and regular passenger flights between Bendigo and Sydney,” Ms Bayliss said.

    “Despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the airport’s growth for a time, the community returned when borders opened to support this important service, and I would like to thank you for contributing to the airport’s continuing success.

    “It is clear word is out about the advantages of flying from Bendigo Airport’s new terminal.

    “It is a stress-free experience when you choose Bendigo Airport, with ample cheap parking close to the new terminal building, a seamless and quick check-in, and great customer service from our dedicated staff.

    “The service is proving popular with the business community and holidaymakers.

    “There were just over 5,000 passengers when the service first started in 2019 and six years on it has increased to 100,000 which is significant growth.

    “To have an airport in central Victoria is so convenient and important for Greater Bendigo residents and for people living in surrounding shires.

    “It means less time commuting to Melbourne and more time enjoying your trip. Flying direct to Sydney from Bendigo Airport takes less than two hours and provides connection access to more than 100 destinations across Australia and internationally.

    “Flights between Bendigo and Sydney can now carry more people with a faster flight time after the introduction of Qantas’s expanded Dash 8-400 fleet last October.”

    To celebrate the milestone of 100,000 passengers, Bendigo Airport, in collaboration with Qantas, is launching an exciting competition in the City of Greater Bendigo’s free GB magazine. The autumn edition is hitting mailboxes this week. There is also a digital version on the City’s website for residents who do not have access to a printed copy.

    For your chance to win one of four return flight tickets from Bendigo to Sydney on QantasLink, complete the entry form and enter a code. The competition is open until 11:59 PM (AEST) Friday, May 30. Terms and Conditions apply.

    “Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Enter the GB magazine competition now and you might be one of four lucky GB magazine readers who will soon be flying up and away from Bendigo Airport,” Ms Bayliss said.

    To view the digital version of GB magazine, visit:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s lesser-known destinations draw more inbound tourists

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

    .

    Basking in the sunshine, John Jammet and his wife sat in the courtyard of a traditional house in the historic Pingyao County of north China’s Shanxi Province, with coffee in hand. Their trip seemingly offered them a glimpse into the lives of Chinese back in the day.

    “Last night we traveled in the main streets and the lanterns were very beautiful,” said the man from France. “What attracted me most were a lot of young girls and boys wearing traditional clothes. It showed that they love their culture and history.”

    Fascinated by the video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” Jammet became interested in the culture behind it, and thus decided to come to China and have a look. The couple carefully planned their trip, with it including China’s capital Beijing, Pingyao, the ancient capital Xi’an in northwest China and the picturesque Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China, reflecting their quest to see “both modern cities and traditional culture.”

    “In the Western world, I think there is misunderstanding about China, because our countries are different,” he explained. “It is important to see with our own eyes what’s the truth about China. For me, China is safe and clean, people are kind and helpful.”

    At the mention of China, images that immediately jump into the minds of many foreign tourists are normally the Great Wall, giant pandas and the many skyscrapers in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai in east China.

    Thanks partly to China’s eased visa policies, an increasing number of foreign tourists are now also turning their attention to lesser-known destinations to delve deeper into Chinese history and culture, just like Jammet and his wife.

    Foreign tourists learn to make traditional wheaten food at a homestay in Pingyao, north China’s Shanxi Province, May 15, 2025. (Photo by Qiao Yan/Xinhua)

    OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

    As of the beginning of May, China has granted unilateral visa-free entry to people from 38 countries, and has extended its visa-free transit period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries.

    In 2024, China recorded 64.88 million border crossings by foreign nationals, an 82.9-percent increase year on year. In the first quarter of 2025, this number stood at 17.44 million, up 33.4 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

    During the five-day May Day holiday, the most recent vacation in China for family outings and tourism, statistics regarding air ticket bookings on Chinese travel services platform Qunar showed that in addition to the megacities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the lower-tier cities of Chengdu, Xiamen, Nanjing, Chongqing and south China’s Haikou were also among the top-ranking destinations for non-Chinese tourists. In addition, hotel bookings made by foreign passport holders in Zhuhai, east China’s Qingdao and central China’s Wuhan grew by 70, 60 and 50 percent respectively.

    Hotels, restaurants and even hairdressers in residential areas not very close to traditional attractions in Beijing are beginning to greet foreign tourists, while small cities and counties are also seeing more inbound visitors.

    Zachary Iziah Smith, an American travel blogger, poses for a photo at Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu Province, April 11, 2025. (Xinhua)

    Kang Mobei is general manager of a shop affiliated to the Gansu Provincial Museum, which sells creative cultural products inspired by items in the museum, like a green fluffy toy based on the iconic copper galloping horse.

    Notably, Gansu Province in northwest China is home to many historical sites, including the Mogao Grottoes UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the May Day holiday, she found more foreign tourists in her shop, many of whom came from countries like Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan.

    “Some of them had already been to the museum, and a few even showed me pictures they found on social media platforms like ‘rednote’ when asking for products,” said Kang, who observed that some customers had fluffy toys from other creative cultural product shops dangling from their bags.

    With overseas customers in mind, the store installed POS machines for international bank cards and carried out language training for their staff.

    A foreign visitor (L) learns how to make matcha beverage at a tea industrial park in Jiangkou County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, April 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

    EASIER, FASTER, BETTER KNOWN

    To meet this increasing demand from foreign customers for niche tourist destinations, Chen Wanni and Chen Min last year founded China Explorer Tour (CET), a tour operating company specializing in authentic food, adventure and cultural-immersion themed retreats and experiences across China.

    “It was more successful than we had expected,” said Chen Wanni, admitting that she was prepared for a loss in the first year, but surprisingly they managed to break even. The referral rate of the tourist routes reached 60 percent, with many customers recommending to their friends to come back, while quite a few have come more than once.

    “Tourism is not only an industry, but also a window for overseas travelers to learn about China,” she said.

    Chen Min informed Xinhua that more and more overseas tourists are expressing interest in China’s lesser-known destinations, in addition to the traditional attractions, representing the maturity of the nation’s tourism industry in recent years.

    Tom Peacock-Nazil from Britain last September booked a 10-day tour with CET, and visited not only Beijing and Xi’an but also southwest China’s Guizhou Province, where he saw both the stunning beauty of nature and various ethnic cultures.

    “I realized I had massively underestimated China,” he said. “I think I’ve fallen in love with China. That’s mainly because we’ve been off the beaten track. I’m dying to come back and I’ve been learning about other provinces. I’ve got plans already.”

    Tom Peacock-Nazil (2nd R) and other tourists pose for a photo in Leishan County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, in September 2024. (China Explorer Tour/Handout via Xinhua)

    Sun Weili, a regional manager with the Chinese travel platform Trip.com Group, noted that the surge in foreign tourists for in-depth tours in China is a result of combined efforts. “Along with eased visa policies, they can also feel the convenience in terms of payment and traffic, as well as more diversified tours,” he said.

    For instance, a 16-day luxury train tour from Chengdu to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has attracted overseas visitors, which promises to take them to an in-depth journey to the northwestern region. So far tickets for all the 10 trips between May and October have been sold out, with 70 percent of the customers inbound tourists.

    Meanwhile, thanks to movies, video games and social media, Chinese culture is better promoted across the world, luring more curious overseas visitors to have a closer look. “We are more open and confident,” Sun said.

    Zhang Jun, who is with a travel agency in Datong in Shanxi, has worked as a tour guide for 18 years. He has noted the huge development of inter-city transportation which has made self-guided tours possible. “For instance, we used to sit in overnight trains and transfer to reach Pingyao from Beijing. But now the journey takes less than four hours.”

    John Jammet this time traveled in China for 15 days, which he found not enough to explore the country. “China is big,” he said. “I might need to spend a month here.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash: State Highway 12, Matakohe

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Motorists are advised to expect delays on State Highway 12, west of Gallid Road, Matakohe.

    Emergency services are in attendance at a crash, reported at around 1.15pm.

    A car has left the road and landed in a ditch.

    Police advise that although both lanes are currently open, traffic restrictions are in place.

    A ‘stop-go’ system will be implemented to enable the vehicle to be retrieved.

    An update will be provided in due course regarding injuries.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Senator Hassan Presses Homeland Security Secretary Noem on Protecting Constitutional Rights and Secures Commitment to Follow Court Orders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – During a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about preserving the fundamental constitutional protection of habeas corpus, which requires that the government provide a reason for detaining or imprisoning someone, as well as an opportunity for that person to seek judicial review of their detention. There have been recent reports that the Trump Administration is considering unilaterally suspending habeas corpus. Senator Hassan also pressed Secretary Noem on critical national security challenges, including the rise of AI-enabled cybercrime targeting seniors and vulnerabilities in U.S. critical infrastructure from attacks by adversaries like China. 
    To watch Senator Hassan’s hearing questions, click here.
    Senator Hassan began by questioning Secretary Noem about the fundamental constitutional protection of habeas corpus after the Trump Administration stated it was considering suspending this right. Secretary Noem incorrectly defined habeas corpus as “a constitutional right that the President has to be able to remove people from this country.” Senator Hassan explained that “habeas corpus is the legal principle that requires that the government provide a public reason for detaining and imprisoning people. If not for that protection, the government could simply arrest people, including American citizens, and hold them indefinitely for no reason.” She emphasized that “habeas corpus is the foundational right that separates free societies like America from police states like North Korea. As a Senator from the Live Free or Die state, this matters a lot to me and my constituents and to all Americans.” 
    Senator Hassan then secured a commitment from Secretary Noem that she would follow court orders if the President attempted to suspend habeas corpus and a federal court reversed that order. “I’m glad that you have now committed to following court orders. I’m glad you believe in the basic freedom for Americans if ordered to do so by a court,” said Senator Hassan. 
    Senator Hassan then asked how the Department of Homeland Security is addressing increasingly sophisticated cyber criminals targeting Americans. These criminals use new tools and techniques, including artificial intelligence-generated imagery, to rob Americans, including seniors who lost $5 billion to scammers in 2024 alone. Senator Hassan also raised concerns about recent reports that the Chinese government installed remote access to Chinese-made power inverters, potentially allowing China to disable parts of our power grid. She pushed Secretary Noem to bolster DHS’s efforts to partner with state and local governments on cybersecurity. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan and Congresswoman Goodlander Discuss Importance of the Department of Education for Students & Impact of Trump Administration’s Attacks on Public Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    MANCHESTER – Yesterday morning, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander met with educators and school officials to hear about the support that the U.S. Department of Education provides for K-12 students and for students pursuing higher education. The conversation took place as President Trump issued an executive order to begin abolishing the U.S. Department of Education and has already cut important programs for students and schools. 
    “This is a really challenging time for public education and the success of our students, who will be the next generation of citizens, workers, thinkers, inventors, and businesspeople,” said Senator Hassan. “Yesterday’s discussion provided an opportunity to make clear the harms that the Trump Administration is causing to real students and families. At a time when the federal government should be working to strengthen public education in America, the Trump Administration is instead determined to throw our schools into chaos and take away critical resources that help our children thrive.”
    “Education is the lifeblood and ultimate safeguard of American democracy. Here in New Hampshire, we are lucky to have dedicated educators in our public schools. But they can’t do their jobs without the support they need,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “I was proud to join Senator Hassan in convening this important conversation with education leaders from pre-K through college to discuss the critical role federal programs play in our public schools. I will always stand up for public education and the people who make it possible.”
    Senator Hassan has been speaking out about the devastating impact that closing the Department of Education will have on students across New Hampshire and the country. Additionally, last month, Senator Hassan introduced and urged consideration of a measure to overturn the President’s executive order to shut down the Department. Congresswoman Goodlander has been an outspoken advocate for protecting public education and is helping lead bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the IDEA Full Funding Act, that will ensure all children with disabilities can access high-quality public education.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 21, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 21, 2025.

    Australian para sport has issues everywhere – here’s what must be fixed ahead of the Brisbane Paralympics
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Raw, Lecturer, Sport Management, Swinburne University of Technology Bratislav Kostic/Shutterstock Australia’s underwhelming performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics has raised serious questions about how well our adaptive sport system is working. The Paris games returned our lowest medal tally since 1988, from our smallest team since

    What’s the difference between skim milk and light milk?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Swinburne University of Technology bodnar.photo/Shutterstock If you’re browsing the supermarket fridge for reduced-fat milk, it’s easy to be confused by the many different types. You can find options labelled skim, skimmed, skinny, no fat, extra light, lite, light, low fat, reduced fat,

    AI is now used for audio description. But it should be accurate and actually useful for people with low vision
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathryn Locke, Associate Researcher in Digital Disability, Centre for Culture and Technology, Curtin University Chansom Pantip/Shutterstock Since the recent explosion of widely available generative artificial intelligence (AI), it now seems that a new AI tool emerges every week. With varying success, AI offers solutions for productivity, creativity,

    NZ Budget 2025: science investment must increase as a proportion of GDP for NZ to innovate and compete
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Gaston, Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Shutterstock/Olivier Le Queinec A lack of strategy and research funding – by both the current and previous governments – has been well documented, most comprehensively in the first report

    Starvation of Gaza – a distressing continuation of a decades-old plan
    SPECIAL REPORT: By Jeremy Rose Reading an NBC News report a couple of days ago about a Trump administration plan to relocate 1 million Gazans to Libya reminded me of a conversation between the legendary Warsaw Ghetto leader Marek Edelman and fellow fighter and survivor Simcha Rotem that took place more than quarter of a

    Spotify continues to change music. What’s next – will AI musicians replace music made by humans?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Spotify was started, according to its official claims, because its founders “love music and piracy was killing it”. In Mood Machine, music journalist Liz Pelly argues this is rewriting history. In fact, she

    Feats of the human body behind Tom Cruise’s stunts in Mission: Impossible movies
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol He’s leapt from cliffs, clung to planes mid-takeoff and held his breath underwater for as long as professional freedivers. Now, at 62, Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt for one final mission – and

    After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham After a two-hour phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on May 19, US president Donald Trump took to social media to declare that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” towards a ceasefire and an end to

    The public service has a much smaller gender pay gap than the private sector. It’s a big achievement
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leonora Risse, Associate Professor in Economics, University of Canberra NDAB Creativity/Shutterstock After two years of publishing the gender pay gaps of Australia’s private-sector companies, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency has released public-sector employer data for the first time. The report shows a stark contrast between the private

    For making stars, it’s not just how much gas a galaxy has that matters – it’s where it’s hiding
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Barbara Catinella, Professor and Senior Principal Research Fellow, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), The University of Western Australia One of the galaxies mapped by WALLABY: the red shade shows the atomic hydrogen gas content of the galaxy, overlaid on an optical image showing the stars.

    The Queensland melioidosis outbreak is still growing. What’s keeping this deadly mud bug active?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Jeffries, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, Western Sydney University ap-studio/Shutterstock The outbreak of the deadly “mud bug” melioidosis in north Queensland has not yet abated since it began at the start of this year. So far there have been 221 cases and 31 deaths from the disease

    ‘Outdated and irrelevant’: what do young Australians think of their schooling?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jun Eric Fu, Senior Research Fellow, Youth Research Collective, The University of Melbourne LBeddoe/Shutterstock Australia’s school system – and whether it is doing its job – is often under the microscope from politicians, experts and parents. The most recent NAPLAN results in 2024 triggered a wave of

    Culture at the core: examining journalism values in the Pacific
    ANALYSIS: By Birte Leonhardt, Folker Hanusch and Shailendra B. Singh The role of journalism in society is shaped not only by professional norms but also by deeply held cultural values. This is particularly evident in the Pacific Islands region, where journalists operate in media environments that are often small, tight-knit and embedded within traditional communities.

    The band is breaking up: has the Coalition stopped making sense?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Visitor, School of History, Australian National University I remember seeing footage, several years ago, of a jubilant Malcolm Turnbull, then prime minister and Liberal leader, speaking in Tamworth to loyal members of the National Party. These were the rank and file who had spent weeks

    Health chief ‘conductor of an orchestra who’s never played an instrument’
    ANALYSIS: By Ian Powell In February 2025, Dr Diana Sarfati resigned, not unexpectedly, as Director-General of Health after only two years into her five-year term. As a medical specialist, and in her role as developing the successful cancer control agency, she had extensive experience in New Zealand’s health system. However, she did not conform to

    Victorian budget has cash to splash on health, transport but new levies, job cuts, rising debt signal pain ahead
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, RMIT University There was not a lot of cheer in the media reporting ahead of the 2025/6 Victorian budget released on Wednesday. Debt and deficits dominated the coverage. All eyes turned to new treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, to see if in

    RBA cuts interest rates, ready to respond again if the economy weakens further
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock speaks at a forum during the World Bank/IMF meetings in Washington in April. Jose Luis Magana/AP The Reserve Bank of Australia cut the official interest rate for the

    The Coalition is on a break, but the Nationals risk finding their former partner doesn’t want them back
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Botterill, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University In the weeks since the federal election, there’s been much speculation about the future of the Coalition agreement. In their soul-searching, it seemed possible the Liberals might pull the pin, given the degree of their

    Israel slammed over ‘cynical’ sidestep of global rulings on Gazan humanitarian aid
    Asia Pacific Report Israel has been accused of “manipulation” and “cynical” circumvention of global decisions calling for unrestricted humanitarian aid access to the besieged Gaza enclave. “In a clear act of defiance against international humanitarian obligations, the occupying state has permitted only nine aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip — covering both the devastated

    Keith Rankin Analysis – The Aratere and the New Zealand Main Trunk Line
    Analysis by Keith Rankin. Government-owned Kiwirail is supposed to be presiding over the New Zealand Main Trunk (Railway) Line, from Auckland to Invercargill. As such it runs a ferry service (The Interislander) between New Zealand’s North and South Islands. We are being told by Kiwirail (and see today’s report on Radio NZ) that the only

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Pillen Joins Republican Governors to Support One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . The letter calls for all Republicans to unify around the bill containing the President’s agenda. 

    The letter to the President in part states:

    “Now, Congress must act to fully and permanently implement your America First agenda for which over 77 million Americans voted. Thankfully, your One, Big, Beautiful Bill would accomplish this. It would provide you with the resources you need to permanently secure the border, remove barriers needed to truly unleash American energy production, protect Americans by making a once-in-a-lifetime investment in military technology that once seemed like science fiction, give working class families tax cuts worth thousands of dollars each, and ensure your administration has the tools needed to deport illegal alien murders and rapists.”

    The governors emphasized the need to unify around the bill and the opportunity it presents not just to enact the President’s agenda, but to save taxpayers $1.6 trillion over the next 10 years.

    Other governors who signed the letter include: Governor Kay Ivey (AL), Governor Mike Dunleavy (AL) Governor Sarah Sanders (AR), Governor Brian Kemp (GA), Governor Brad Little (ID), Governor Mike Braun (IN), Governor Kim Reynolds (IA), Governor Jeff Landry (LA), Governor Mike Kehoe (MO), Governor Tate Reeves (MS), Governor Greg Gianforte (MT), Governor Jim Pillen (NE), Governor Kelly Armstrong (ND), Governor Henry McMaster (SC), Governor Bill Lee (TN), Governor Greg Abbott (TX), Governor Spencer Cox (UT), Governor Glenn Youngkin (VA), Governor Patrick Morrisey (WV), and Governor Mark Gordon (WY).

    A copy of the letter is attached.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Signs Legislation Banning Fake Meat in Nebraska

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Signs Legislation Banning Fake Meat in Nebraska

     

    LINCON, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed LB246, banning the production, sale, promotion and distribution of fake meat in Nebraska. The bill was sponsored on the Governor’s behalf by Senator Barry DeKay.

    “When I stood in front of a group of producers and ag business owners yesterday and announced my intention to sign this legislation, I was met with applause,” said Gov. Pillen. “We need to be willing to protect and preserve our state’s vital ag industry as well as our consumers. These products are grown from harvested cells in bioreactor machines. The health consequences are unknown and so are the long-term effects to consumers.”   

    Putting this ban into law builds on the Governor’s effort to protect producers and consumers from the fake meat industry, which was initiated with the issuance of Executive Order 24-09, prohibiting state agencies from purchasing lab-grown meat and requiring state contractors to certify that they will not discriminate against natural-meat producers in favor of laboratory or cultivated-meat producers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Submissions open for the Anzac Day Amendment Bill

    Source:

    This bill would amend the Anzac Day Act 1966 to cover conflicts and persons who have served New Zealand in past or future times of war or in warlike conflicts that are not currently covered by the Act.

    Tell the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee what you think

    Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Thursday, 22 May 2025.

    For more details about the bill:

    ENDS

    For media enquiries contact:

    Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee staff

    fadt@parliament.govt.nz

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Incoming Government Brief

    Source:

    The attached Incoming Government Brief for the mental health portfolio outlines the mental health sector’s priorities for the Albanese Government in the first 100 days and first year, as well as the ongoing reforms the sector is keen to see the government continue to deliver.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Construction begins at Watson Health Precinct

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 20/05/2025

    The ACT Government is delivering the health infrastructure our growing city needs with construction beginning on the Watson Health Precinct redevelopment.

    Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the renewed Watson Health Precinct will enable delivery of better health services for young people and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Canberra.

    The upgrades will provide new purpose-built facilities to support alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services, as well as residential mental health care for young people.

    The precinct will also expand to include a new residential rehabilitation facility specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – designed, constructed and operated by Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.

    Minister Stephen-Smith welcomed the milestone as a key step toward delivering a modern, inclusive and culturally safe environment that will support recovery and wellbeing.

    “With new and upgraded facilities, the Watson Health Precinct will continue to provide live-in alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services for young people through the Ted Noffs Foundation, alongside residential care for young people experiencing mental health challenges, provided by Marymead CatholicCare,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    “The establishment of a residential alcohol and other drug facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people fills a service gap in the ACT and increases culturally appropriate treatment options in the territory.

    “Winnunga Nimmityjah has led the design of this new facility and will also be responsible for its construction and operation. This partnership ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive culturally safe and appropriate care to support their recovery journey.”

    The ACT Government has worked closely with each organisation to ensure the new infrastructure meets the unique needs of their clients and supports their critical work.

    “Community health organisations play a vital and trusted role in delivering these essential services for the Canberra community. The upgraded facilities will enable our community partners to provide a welcoming, secure and inclusive environment that will support positive clinical and therapeutic outcomes,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

    The ACT Government committed $49 million in the 2023-24 ACT Budget to upgrade the Watson Health Precinct to support these vital community organisations to continue delivering essential health services to young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

    Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

    The ACT Government is making record investments in public healthcare to ensure Canberrans can access the right care, when and where they need it.

    You can find out more about the government’s health projects at builtforcbr.act.gov.au/projects/health.

    Quotes attributable to Julie Tongs, CEO at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services:

    “The new residential rehabilitation facility is designed to support the need for both cultural and therapeutic programs specifically designed indoor and outdoor spaces to allow for a holistic approach for all programs to be deliver seamlessly.”

    Quotes attributable to Anne Kirwan, CEO at Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn:

    “At STEPS, (Supporting Young People through early intervention and prevention strategies) we know that a young person’s environment plays a vital role in their mental health recovery. We’re thrilled about the ACT Government’s multi-million dollar investment into youth services at The Watson site. This redevelopment will allow us to create a welcoming, therapeutic space surrounded by nature and designed with the comforts of home where young people can feel safe, supported, and empowered to work towards their wellbeing goals.”

    Quotes attributable to Lachlan Dean, National Programs Manager at Ted Noffs Foundation:

    “Seeking support for drug and alcohol treatment is a massive step for any young person to undertake. Having a space that is designed and created to allow for young people to feel safe, comfortable and promotes treatment removes one barrier to young people accessing support. We welcome the ACT Government’s commitment to improve the treatment options for young people in the ACT.”

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Family trust distributions tax – what you need to know

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    When considering trustee resolutions in the lead up to 30 June, it’s important for trustees of family trusts who have made a Family Trust Election (FTE), or entities with an Interposed Entity Election (IEE) to:

    • review their FTEs and IEEs
    • understand who is in their family group.

    This is critical to help lower the risk of any FTDT liabilities arising.

    Once a valid FTE or IEE is made, it’s important to be mindful of who the specified individual is (for each election). This is because there is a strict legal definition of family group, and it’s based on who the members of the ‘specified individual’s’ family group are. Often in private groups, there may be multiple family trusts with different specified individuals (which means there will be differences in who is in the ‘family groups’). There may have also been expansion of the business with new entities or changes in family members (e.g. if there was a divorce). While the election is in effect, FTDT will apply if any distributions are made outside the family group. FTDT is a 47% tax, payable by a trustee, director, or partner.

    To ensure you don’t trigger FTDT liabilities, before making distributions, trustees should:

    • maintain strong governance and record-keeping practices
    • understand what FTE or IEE elections an entity or group has in place
    • identify the members of the specified individual’s family group.

    Trustees should review this information on an annual basis and keep these elections front of mind when administering their tax affairs.

    The Commissioner has no discretion to ignore the application of FTDT, cannot limit the period FTDT applies and has no power to extend the time to revoke or vary elections.

    If you’ve not made an FTE or IEE before, or are considering making one at the end of the financial year, it’s important to consider both the current and future impacts of making the election. While the concessions from making elections can be advantageous, there can be future limitations, constraints and potentially significant financial impacts for the private group for generations to come. 

    We’re seeing an increase in FTDT issues due to inadequate record keeping, succession planning, intergenerational expansion of businesses and evolving private groups. We encourage trustees and their advisers to review now.

    If you’re unsure about any matters related to FTE or IEEs you should speak to your registered tax agent.

    Resources

    Web content:

    • Family trusts concessions – our web content covers FTEs, IEEs, the benefits of family trusts and FTDT.
    • Trusts – favourite or bookmark our comprehensive Trusts web content so you can access it whenever you need it.

    Keep up to date

    We have tailored communication channels for medium, large and multinational businesses, to keep you up to date with updates and changes you need to know.

    Read more articles in our online Business bulletins newsroom.

    Subscribe to our free:

    • fortnightly Business bulletins email newsletterExternal Link
    • email notifications about new and updated information on our website – you can choose to receive updates relevant to your situation. Choose the ‘Business and organisations’ category to ensure your subscription includes notifications for more Business bulletins newsroom articles like this one.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at LME Asia Metals Seminar 2025 (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the LME Asia Metals Seminar 2025 today (May 21):

    Carlson (Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), Mr Carlson Tong), Bonnie (Chief Executive Officer of the HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan), John (Chairman of the London Metal Exchange (LME), Mr John Williamson), Matthew (Chief Executive Officer of the LME, Mr Matthew Chamberlain), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: White House, Secretary Hegseth Unveil Plan for Golden Dome of America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the U.S. faces evolving and pressing threats, missile defense plays an essential role in deterring and defeating adversary missiles and other threats against the nation. Days after his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the nation.
    Today, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, joined U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a fellow SASC member, President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Vice Chief of Space Operations General Michael Guetlein at the White House to announce the administration’s plan for a Golden Dome missile defense system for America.
    Click here to watch the announcement

    “Providing for the common defense of American citizens is our first Constitutional responsibility,” said Cramer. “Over the last couple of decades, adversaries have sharpened their capabilities and threats are no longer far off in the distance. We need to modernize our missile defense infrastructure so we can protect our homeland from catastrophic, modern missile attacks. I applaud President Trump’s innovative and bold vision to create a safer, more secure America and Congress is ready to work with him to make it a reality.” 
    The president also announced the nomination of General Guetlein to lead the implementation of this effort. Last month, General Guetlein joined Cramer and SDA Director Derek Tournear to visit the University of North Dakota and tour the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and the National Security Corridor at the College of Engineering & Mines. The group also visited Grand Forks Air Force Base, Cavalier Space Force Station and viewedongoing U.S. Space Force activities in North Dakota.  
    “I strongly endorse General Guetlein for the role in leading the Golden Dome project,” said Cramer. “I don’t know anyone better equipped to do it than him.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Duckworth Introduce Bill to Help Families Afford Medically Necessary Diapers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – For babies and toddlers, diapers are essential for their health and well-being. However, nearly half of U.S. families with young children struggle to provide enough diapers to keep them clean, dry, and healthy, according to a report from the National Diaper Bank Network. 
    To assist low-income and middle-class families in addressing diaper needs, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan End Diaper Need Act. The legislation would make diapers qualified medical expenses for those who rely on them, allowing families to purchase them using their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).
    Further, it provides $200 million per year for fiscal years 2022 to 2025 for the Social Services Block Grant Program, to be used to provide diapers and diapering supplies for infants, toddlers, medically complex children, low-income adults, and adults with disabilities.
    “Diapers are a basic necessity for all babies and toddlers, but many families struggle to afford enough diapers for their children,” said Cramer. “Our bipartisan bill will increase access to diapers for children in need and deliver a commonsense tax policy update to ensure families can use their health savings in a way that works for them.”  
    “No parent should have to choose between paying the bills and buying something as basic as diapers that are essential to the health and well-being of their children,” said Duckworth. “After working for years to secure major funding that is supporting our nation’s diaper banks, I’m proud to have Senators Cramer and Welch on my side reintroducing this bipartisan bill so we can help end diaper need for all families.”
    The End Diaper Need Act is endorsed by National Diaper Bank Network, Aeroflow, Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, Center for Law and Social Policy, Child Welfare League of America, Coalition for Human Needs, First Focus for Children, HDI Wholesale, HIPPY US, JSL, Kimberly-Clark, MomsRising, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund and ZERO TO THREE.
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Questions Air Force Leadership on ISR, Weaponization of Space

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing today to review the posture of the Department of the Air Force, which encompasses both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. Members heard testimony from Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Allvin, and Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman.
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee, questioned the witnesses about the weaponization of space. Cramer also discussed concerns surrounding cuts to the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program and the Air Force’s plan for maintaining airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
    [embedded content]
    Cramer referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin and People’s Republic of China (PRC) President Xi Jinping’s joint statement labeling President Trump’s Golden Dome plans as “deeply destabilizing,” arguing such new U.S. defenses would weaponize space.  
    He asked General Saltzman if America’s enemies have weapons in space right now.
    “Yes, Senator, they do. Over the last few years, we’ve observed, for instance, the Russians have performed some very aggressive on-orbit capabilities, in terms of plane matching, getting very close to some of our most sensitive satellites in aggressive ways,” said General Saltzman. “They’ve released what could be presumed to be kinetic kill vehicles that we’ve watched on-orbit. The PRC has demonstrated the ability to use a grappling arm to grab a satellite and pull it out of its operational orbit, [then] return it. All of these are demonstrated capabilities that could be used as anti-satellite technology.”
    Cramer also asked if the Space Force is adequately funded to meet this kind of threat in space. General Saltzman said the department is not adequately funded for the new missions he has been given in space superiority. 
    “Scale matters, right?” said Cramer. “If we have the world’s greatest weapons, but not enough of them to defeat the enemy, then we’re not adequately funded.”
    The conversation shifted toward the importance of MQ-9 Reapers to U.S. military operations worldwide. Earlier this year, Cramer led a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressing concern regarding the Air Force’s plan for maintaining airborne ISR capability. The rate of investment and divestment leaves the Combatant Commanders accepting greater risk and provides civilian policy makers with less input to make informed decisions or conduct effective missions. He led a similar letter last year to then-Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. 
    “My commitment is, we need to do more to make sure we’re not falling backwards anywhere, and that we’re projecting forward everywhere,” said Cramer. He then asked General Allvin if the department has enough MQ-9s to meet the present demand. General Allvin said they have lost several MQ-9s in combat and in operations. 
    “It is getting to the point where we need to ensure that every one of them is […] as survivable as possible, and that some of the areas where…we’re looking to improve on are putting the capability for the enhanced, proliferated LEO [low-Earth orbit] architecture, to be able to put that on the MQ-9,” stated General Allvin. “This is where I might make my pitch for more funding flexibility, because right now it’s a $17 million ask. Because that is above the [threshold for] reprogramming, we’re having to go through a longer process with us in Congress to get that approved. But the more we can have that flexibility to be able to […] accelerate the fielding of the proliferated LEO architecture on those MQ-9s, it’ll make them more survivable.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Senate Republicans Consider Procedural Power Grab, Markey Highlights Seriousness of the Moment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Republicans attempting to change rules to overturn California EPA Clean Air Act waivers     
    Washington (May 20, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), today released the following statement in response to Republicans’ commitment to overturn Senate procedure and decades of historical precedent. Despite the independent, non-partisan agency Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) determination that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not rules and the Senate Parliamentarian’s confirmation that this would be an inappropriate use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Senate Republicans are considering a majority vote to overrule the Senate Parliamentarian.
    “At a moment when Donald Trump is actively undermining the checks and balances enshrined in our Constitution, Senate Republicans are moving ahead with a dangerous change to Senate rules while rolling back clean air regulations.  
    “It’s not enough for Republicans to promote chaos and conflict in our economy for the sake of billionaires, they now want to create chaos and conflict in Congress by intentionally trashing guardrails and decisions that protect all members. They don’t care about the rule of law, and they don’t seem to care about the rule of Congress. With this action, Senate Republicans are opening the door for future votes on the countless unlawful and unethical actions carried out by the Trump administration. There will be no putting the genie back in the bottle.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Questions HHS Secretary Kennedy During Appropriations Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s questions. 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), questioned U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. during a hearing to consider the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.
    HIGHLIGHTS:
    ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENT ACCESS TO CLINICAL TRIALS:
    SENATOR CAPITO: “Clinical trials are the forefront of research and innovation, and oftentimes represent that last hope of cancer patients and other patients addressing chronic disease when traditional treatments have been ineffective. These clinical trials often lead getting life-saving drugs to the market. Has HHS or any sub-agency assessed the impact of patient access to clinical trials during the reorganization?”
    SECRETARY KENNEDY: “We are not cutting any clinical trials and we’re not cutting drug development. We’re cutting administrative costs.”
    ON RURAL HEALTHCARE INITIATIVES: 
    SENATOR CAPITO: “There’s such significant healthcare challenges in rural America. A lot of it is around access. The rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease are among some of the highest in rural America. HRSA programs are critical to rural health initiatives. In your budget, you announced a cut to HRSA programs. I am concerned about that because of the access issue and because the inequities that I see…where people have easier access to health care than rural America. You’ve got transportation issues, you have connectivity issues, you have generational issues of passing down different diseases. How is rural America going to be better under your reorganization?” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Talks California Waiver CRA at GOP Leadership Press Conference

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    To watch Chairman Capito’s remarks, click here or the image above.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, delivered remarks during the weekly Senate GOP Leadership Press Conference on the joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) that she introduced to repeal California’s EV waiver that prohibit the sale of new gas-powered light-duty vehicles by 2035. 
    HIGHLIGHTS: 
    LEADERSHIP AT EPW: “As Chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am the one who is leading the California waiver Congressional Review Act.”
    ON THE CALIFORNIA WAIVER: “The onerous quality of this of this rule is just beyond description, not just the penalties, forcing certain states and certain consumers to purchase a vehicle that they may not want or that they can’t find. It really eliminates what I think our country was built on, which is individual choice and making the decisions for yourselves.”
    DELAY FROM BIDEN ADMIN: “I think the one thing that’s interesting about this mandate is the Biden administration – California asked for this waiver in May of 2023. It was not granted until the very end of December of 2024. You know why? Because they know the American people reject this handily.”
    THE CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT: “The Trump administration, under Administrator Zeldin’s leadership, submitted it as a rule, it is a rule submitted to [Congress], it is within the boundaries of the Congressional Review Act.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Releases Statement on New Golden Dome Announcements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump announced new plans and leadership for the Golden Dome missile defense system:
    “Golden Dome will help protect our homeland and our troops deployed abroad against the threat of advanced long-range missiles from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. I applaud the President for his leadership on Golden Dome, and I am proud that Congressional Republicans will make a $25 billion down payment on Golden Dome in the defense reconciliation bill. We cannot maintain deterrence without space superiority and an improved ability to conduct air and missile defense. General Guetlein has his work cut out for him, but I am confident he is the right person for the job.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have your say on Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill

    Source:

    Media Release

    Organisation:   Finance and Expenditure Committee

    For release:     21 May 2025

    Have your say on Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee is calling for submissions on the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill. The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.

    This bill is one of three that the Finance and Expenditure Committee is considering related to financial services. The other two bills are the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill and the Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill.

    Please take care to upload your submission on the relevant bill. 

    Financial dispute resolution is a free way for consumers to resolve disputes with their bank, insurer, KiwiSaver provider, or other financial service provider. This bill would make two changes to financial dispute resolution. The changes aim to ensure:

    • improved oversight of approved dispute resolution scheme performance, by requiring the responsible Minister to decide how the schemes must undertake their independent reviews
    • effective and impartial governance of the schemes’ boards, by providing for a regulation-making power that can be used to set skills, experience, and independence requirements of board members.

    Tell the Finance and Expenditure Committee what you think:

    Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.

    For more details about the bill:

    ENDS

    For media enquiries contact:

    Finance and Expenditure Committee Staff

    fe@parliament.govt.nz

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have your say on Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill

    Source:

    Media Release

    Organisation:   Finance and Expenditure Committee

    For release:     21 May 2025

    Have your say on Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee is calling for submissions on the Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill. The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.

    This bill is one of three that the Finance and Expenditure Committee is considering related to financial services.  The other two bills are the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Amendment Bill and the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill.

    Please take care to upload your submission on the relevant bill.

    The bill would:

    • change minimum requirements for fair conduct programmes to allow for more flexibility and to reduce unnecessary prescription and compliance costs
    • require the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) to issue a single licence covering different classes of market services
    • change provisions that require firms holding a licence under the Financial Markets Conduct Act, or authorised bodies, to obtain regulatory approval from the FMA before certain changes in firms take effect
    • introduce on-site inspection powers for the FMA to, without notice, enter and remain at a place of business of a financial markets participant for compliance monitoring purpose
    • make a number of other technical amendments.

    Tell the Finance and Expenditure Committee what you think:

    Make a submission on the bill by 11.59pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.

    For more details about the bill:

    ENDS

    For media enquiries contact:

    Finance and Expenditure Committee Staff

    fe@parliament.govt.nz

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –