Category: Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CBB introduces new fit and proper requirements for board and management of licensed financial institutions

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    CBB introduces new fit and proper requirements for board and management of licensed financial institutions

    Published on 4 March 2025

    Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 4 March 2025 – The Central Bank of Bahrain (“CBB”) has introduced new requirements for licensed financial institutions relating to the appointment of board members and senior management. The new rules are issued under one common Module of the CBB Rulebook, replacing the “fit and proper” requirements which were previously included in the “Licensing Requirements”, “Authorisation” and “Training and Competency” Modules found across all Volumes of the CBB Rulebook.

    The new Fit and Proper Module reduces the number of senior managers that require CBB prior approval, removes the prescriptive ‘one size fits all’ qualifications and core competency requirements for senior management positions, and requires the licensees to develop their own standards. By reducing the number of prior approvals, CBB will no longer co-manage senior management appointments holding the board and CEO accountable for suitability of senior managers, thus making the board and CEO accountable for ensuring suitability of persons holding senior management positions.

    Commenting on the new regulations, Mrs. Shireen Al Sayed, Director of Regulatory Policy Unit, said “The revised requirements, which were developed following extensive discussions with the industry and benchmarking the practices in reputable financial centres, reflect the CBB’s ongoing efforts to reduce compliance and administrative burden for our licensees while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and competence in the financial services sector. By streamlining the approval process, we aim to empower the industry to take greater ownership in selecting the right talent for senior management roles. This rationalization is essential to supporting our licensees’ growth in an increasingly competitive environment.”

    The new CBB prior approval requirements for board of directors and senior managers will take effect from 1 April 2025, whilst the remaining requirements are effective 1 October 2025. The Module applies to all CBB licensees and can be accessed under the Common Volume of the CBB Rulebook available on CBB’s website:

    https://cbben.thomsonreuters.com/rulebook/common-volume

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Pension wealth of Danes increased by more than kr. 300 billion in 2024

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    Insurance and pension

    Statistics period: 4th Quarter 2024

    The pension wealth in Danish pension companies increased by kr. 317 billion in 2024 and now amounts to kr. 4,351 billion. Over the past two years, the pension wealth has increased by kr. 601 billion, mainly due to large capital gains on stocks and bonds. The pension wealth is now back to the level before the significant decline in 2022. Pension contributions have also contributed to the increase in wealth. In 2024 alone, net contributions were kr. 48 billion. Overall, Danes have increased their pension contributions in recent years, partly due to wage increases and higher employment.



    The pension wealth is kr. 4,351 billion in 4th quarter 2024

    Note:

    The pension wealth is defined as provisions for future pension obligations (for market rate and average interest rate products) in Danish pension companies. In addition to pension wealth in pension companies, Danish households also have individual pension schemes in financial institutions. Find chart data in the Statbank.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Bank Indonesia and Reserve Bank of Australia Renew the Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement

    Source: Reserve Bank of Australia

    Bank Indonesia (BI) and Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have renewed and strengthened the Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement (BCSA) on 4 March 2025, for a period of five years. This agreement was signed by Governor Perry Warjiyo and Governor Michele Bullock. This follows the initial agreement which was signed in December 2015 and has been renewed thereafter.

    The BCSA enables the exchange of local currencies between the two central banks with a value of up to AUD10 billion (equivalent to USD6,2 billion) and the corresponding IDR.

    The renewal reflects the long-standing financial cooperation between BI and RBA and indicates the strong commitment of both central banks to further promote bilateral trade and investment for the economic development of Australia and Indonesia, contribute to financial stability for both countries and for other mutually agreed purposes.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on March 04, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 5,855
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 5,855
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.26
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.27
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) N.A.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2294

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: [MWC 2025] [Photo] Samsung Brings the Future of Mobile Technology, Inspiring Users Around the World

    Source: Samsung

    On March 3, Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 kicked off in Barcelona. As Samsung Electronics showcased its latest AI-powered innovations and expanded mobile experiences through interactive exhibits, the newest additions to the Galaxy ecosystem made waves.
     
    Samsung Newsroom got a closer look at Samsung’s highly anticipated products that captivated attendees.
     
     
    Galaxy S25 Edge: Pushing the Boundaries of Hardware Innovation
    First unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 this past January, the Galaxy S25 Edge — the slimmest Galaxy S series yet — returned to the spotlight at Samsung’s MWC 2025 booth and sparked excitement among attendees.
     

     

     

     

     
     
    Project Moohan: Anticipation for What’s Next in XR
    Crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of Project Moohan — Samsung’s first-ever Android extended reality (XR) headset. Debuted with the Android XR platform in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, the device will leverage multimodal AI technology to enable more natural and conversation-like interactions.
     

     

     

     

     
     
    Galaxy A Series: Mobile AI for Everyone
    Reaffirming its commitment to democratizing AI experiences, Samsung revealed the latest Galaxy A series with the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G models. The series introduces Awesome Intelligence, the first comprehensive mobile AI exclusively available on Galaxy A series devices — bringing fan-favorite features like Circle to Search with Google and AI-powered camera features to more users.
     

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: [MWC 2025] Explore AI-Powered Innovation in Mobile, Health, Home and Networks With Samsung

    Source: Samsung

    Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 officially opened in Barcelona on March 3, bringing together industry leaders and technology enthusiasts at the world’s largest mobile technology exhibition. Samsung Electronics stole the spotlight with dynamic experience zones centered around the Galaxy S25 series — offering a glimpse into the future of AI-driven mobile experiences — alongside a dedicated space for next-generation network solutions.
     
    ▲ View of the MWC 2025 venue, Fira Gran Via
     
    With over 110,000 attendees expected at MWC 2025, the streets of Barcelona buzzed with excitement even before the event’s official opening. Amid the growing anticipation, large advertisements showcasing the Galaxy S25 series were prominently displayed throughout the venue. Samsung Newsroom stopped by the booth to explore Samsung’s AI-driven innovations and cutting-edge hardware that are advancing mobile technology.
     
    ▲ Samsung advertisements surround Fira Gran Via.
     
     
    A True AI Companion: New Mobile Experiences With Galaxy S25 Series
    At the Fira Gran Via exhibition hall, Samsung set up a sprawling 1,745-square-meter booth highlighting the Galaxy S25 series and unveiling new possibilities for the future of mobile experiences. A massive 41-meter-wide LED screen brought Galaxy AI’s vision to life.
     
    ▲ Entrance to Samsung’s booth
     
    Inside interactive zones, attendees experienced the Galaxy S25 series’ AI, camera and performance innovations firsthand — including AI-powered personalized insights, enhanced photography and editing tools and high-performance gaming.
     
    ▲ Visitors try out the Galaxy S25 series.
     
     
    Health Solution: Revolutionizing Wellness With Intelligence
    The booth presented AI-powered personalized health insights in the Health Solution zone, a more secure smart home experience with SmartThings in the Home Solution zone and Samsung’s commitment to security and sustainability in the Galaxy Foundation zone.
     
    In the Health Solution zone, attendees learned how Samsung Health helps users manage their daily health with ease. A standout feature was Now Brief on the Galaxy S25, delivering a personalized Energy Score along with insights into the user’s previous night’s sleep and current condition. Through the Sleep details page in Samsung Health, users can review a comprehensive analysis of their sleep including duration, sleep stages and blood oxygen levels. Additionally, the Sleep environment report evaluates factors such as room brightness, temperature and humidity to help users optimize their sleep quality.
     
    “Galaxy AI is really changing the way we manage our health,” said one visitor after experiencing Samsung’s personalized health management approach that analyzes each individual’s health and interests to provide tailored guidance.
     
    ▲ Health Solution zone
     
     
    Home Solution: Creating a Smarter, More Secure Home
    In the Home Solution zone, attendees explored an enhanced smart home experience powered by SmartThings and Knox Matrix. With 3D Map View on the Galaxy Tab S10, users could visualize and manage connected smart home devices through an interactive floor plan of their home. Other SmartThings AI features on display included automated routines tailored to user preferences, fall detection alerts for elderly family members and detailed energy consumption reports to promote more efficient usage.
     
    To ensure a secure smart home experience, Knox Matrix safeguards the entire ecosystem. Attendees observed how connected devices leverage Knox Matrix to autonomously detect threats, implement protective measures and notify users.
     
    ▲ Home Solution zone
     
     
    Galaxy Foundation: A Commitment to Security and Sustainability
    At the Galaxy Foundation zone, Samsung showcased its advancements in security and sustainability for Galaxy devices. Notably, Galaxy users are able to control how their data is handled — choosing between on-device processing or via the cloud as well as enabling or disabling personalized features. Additionally, the Galaxy S25’s on-device AI analyzes personal data through the Personal Data Engine while ensuring robust security with Knox Vault.
     
    ▲ A wall explains Samsung Knox.
     
    Samsung highlighted its commitment to sustainability initiatives focused on reducing carbon emissions. Through innovative recycling technology, the batteries in the Galaxy S25 series repurpose cobalt extracted from discarded Galaxy devices. Attendees were impressed by the use of recycled fishing nets to create smartphone components and Ocean Mode, a camera setting developed for capturing footage of coral reefs underwater to support marine conservation efforts.
     
    ▲ A wall describes Samsung’s sustainability efforts, including resource circulation and marine conservation activities.
     
     
    Next-Generation Network Solutions: AI-Powered Innovations in 5G and Beyond
    In a separate, invitation-only exhibit, Samsung introduced its AI-optimized and software-centric network innovations — demonstrating the future of mobile communications.
     
    Global telecommunication operators and B2B clients were drawn to the Samsung CognitiV Network Operations Suite (NOS), a set of diverse AI-powered network automation applications providing lifecycle management of the network from planning, deployment, operation to optimization. Another key focus was AI Energy Saving Manager, an AI-powered solution that analyzes traffic patterns to maintain network quality while reducing energy consumption by up to 35%.
     
    ▲ Entrance to Samsung’s networks-focused booth
     
    Other key highlights included Samsung’s collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company to introduce the industry’s first 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology for use in mass-production vehicle manufacturing. A lineup of high-performance network chipsets and various base station solutions were on display as well.
     
    ▲ A display illustrates Samsung Cognitiv NOS.
     
    Samsung’s presence at MWC 2025 reinforced its commitment to innovation — setting new standards for AI-driven user experiences and advanced network solutions while shaping the future of mobile technology.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [MWC 2025] The True AI Companion: New Ways To Get Things Done, Create and Play With the Galaxy S25 Series

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics’ booth at Mobile World Congress 2025 captivated visitors with the recently released Galaxy S25 series and its advanced AI features. Through interactive zones and hands-on activities, attendees discovered how Galaxy AI is transforming mobile interactions with AI-powered tools that boost productivity, cutting-edge camera enhancements that capture the perfect shot and more.
     
    Samsung Newsroom stepped inside the booth to witness Samsung’s vision for a smarter, more intuitive smartphone experience come to life in Barcelona.
     
    ▲ Samsung Electronics at Mobile World Congress 2025
     
     
    New Ways To Get Things Done
    Visitors saw firsthand how Galaxy AI simplifies everyday tasks by seamlessly moving across multiple apps. For example, they experienced how, with a simple voice command after pressing and holding the side button, AI could find this year’s schedule of El Clasico matches and add it to Samsung Calendar in one smooth motion.
     
    ▲ Galaxy AI simplifies scheduling by searching for events and saving them to Samsung Calendar in one go.
     
    Visitors also engaged with Gemini Live, a conversational AI assistant that facilitates brainstorming, learning and rehearsing through natural, real-time interactions. Supporting images, PDF files and more, the feature provides a multimodal AI experience designed to enhance user productivity and creativity.
     
    ▲ Gemini Live allows users to have real-time conversations and multimodal interactions with AI.
     
    Another standout feature at the booth was Now Brief, which learns the routines of users and provides them with personalized snapshots of information throughout the day on the lock screen via the Now Bar. The feature can also share practical recommendations, such as the ideal time to depart for a planned trip or the most efficient route to an appointment location. Attendees experienced how Now Brief helps users kickstart their morning with their schedules and sleep data, then later unwind in the evening with a summary of daily activity insights.
     
    ▲ Now Brief delivers essential information tailored to the user in a concise and timely manner.
     
     
    New Ways To Create
    The Galaxy S25 series also introduces new ways to create with state-of-the-art camera technology powered by the ProVisual Engine. At Samsung’s booth, guests explored how AI-enhanced photography tools make capturing, editing and organizing content more seamless and intuitive.
     
    Portrait Studio and Filters allowed visitors to apply expressive, AI-generated effects to their photos. Attendees saw firsthand how filters personalized and enhanced portraits, adding a unique, artistic touch to each image.
     
    ▲ Custom filters seamlessly adjust portraits to match the desired aesthetic and streamline the photo editing process.
     
    Another highlight was the Nightography feature, which has evolved with Galaxy AI to take low-light photography and videography to the next level. Visitors also marveled at the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The camera’s expansive field of view makes it the perfect option for capturing group photos and breathtaking landscapes.
     
    ▲ Nightography allows users to capture crisp, noise-free videos even in low-light environments.
     
    The Drawing Assist feature amazed guests as well, illustrating AI’s ability to transform hand-drawn sketches into high-quality works of art in a variety of styles. Attendees witnessed how AI, whether it be through text input, images or freehand drawings, elevated creative expression with precision and flair.
     
    ▲ With Drawing Assist, users can bring their imagination to life as polished visuals.
     
     
    New Ways To Play
    Toward the end of their booth tour, visitors explored the Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy, the Galaxy S25 series’ customized processor designed to deliver high-speed gaming, seamless multitasking and stunning visuals. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also boasts a vapor chamber 40% larger than that of its predecessor, a key upgrade that helps the device maintain its powerful performance over extended periods of time.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy S25 series delivers a smooth, immersive gaming experience powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy processor.
     
    Samsung’s showcase at MWC 2025 highlighted the transformative role of Galaxy AI in redefining mobile interactions. With its suite of intelligent tools, the Galaxy S25 series demonstrated how AI-driven innovation is shaping the future of smartphones.
     
    Samsung continues to push the boundaries of mobile technology, blending AI and advanced hardware to deliver smarter, more intuitive experiences for users worldwide.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Impact Webinar 89: Mapping the Unpaid Care Work Economy in Asia

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. It assists its members and partners by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.

    Headquarters

    6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on March 03, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India


    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)

      Volume
    (One Leg)
    Weighted
    Average Rate
    Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,77,489.16 6.11 5.15-6.75
         I. Call Money 12,742.85 6.32 5.15-6.45
         II. Triparty Repo 3,90,173.80 6.04 5.25-6.28
         III. Market Repo 1,72,735.61 6.23 5.70-6.75
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,836.90 6.42 6.35-6.50
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 128.00 6.14 5.80-6.30
         II. Term Money@@ 1,107.00 6.45-7.25
         III. Triparty Repo 350.00 6.24 6.10-6.35
         IV. Market Repo 801.04 6.62 6.60-6.62
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Mon, 03/03/2025 1 Tue, 04/03/2025 16,557.00 6.26
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Mon, 03/03/2025 1 Tue, 04/03/2025 8,802.00 6.50
    4. SDFΔ# Mon, 03/03/2025 1 Tue, 04/03/2025 1,48,673.00 6.00
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -1,23,314.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 21/02/2025 14 Fri, 07/03/2025 41,046.00 6.26
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo Fri, 21/02/2025 45 Mon, 07/04/2025 57,951.00 6.26
      Fri, 14/02/2025 49 Fri, 04/04/2025 75,003.00 6.28
      Fri, 07/02/2025 56 Fri, 04/04/2025 50,010.00 6.31
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,095.71  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     2,33,105.71  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     1,09,791.71  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on March 03, 2025 9,04,036.65  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending March 07, 2025 9,22,740.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ March 03, 2025 16,557.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on February 07, 2025 -1,973.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    ^ As per the Press Release No. 2024-2025/2013 dated January 27, 2025, Press Release No. 2024-2025/2138 dated February 12, 2025, and Press Release No. 2024-2025/2209 dated February 20, 2025.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2293

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Crystallography-Informed AI Achieves World-Leading Performance in Predicting Novel Crystal Structures

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Crystallography-Informed AI Achieves World-Leading Performance in Predicting Novel Crystal Structures

    A research team from the Institute of Statistical Mathematics and Panasonic Holdings Corporation has developed a machine learning algorithm, ShotgunCSP, that enables fast and accurate prediction of crystal structures from material compositions. The algorithm achieved world-leading performance in crystal structure prediction benchmarks.
    Crystal structure prediction seeks to identify the stable or metastable crystal structures for any given chemical compound adopt under specific conditions. Traditionally, this process relies on iterative energy evaluations using time-consuming first-principles calculations and solving energy minimization problems to find stable atomic configurations. This challenge has been a cornerstone of materials science since the early 20th century. Recently, advancements in computational technology and generative AI have enabled new approaches in this field. However, for large-scale or complex molecular systems, the exhaustive exploration of vast phase spaces demands enormous computational resources, making it an unresolved issue in materials science.
    The team discovered that leveraging machine learning algorithms allows for highly accurate predictions of the symmetry patterns inherent in stable crystal structures. By employing these predictors to drastically reduce the search space, they eliminated the need for iterative first-principles calculations. This simplified approach demonstrated that even for large and complex systems, stable structures could be predicted with remarkably high accuracy and efficiency.
    This groundbreaking achievement was published in npj Computational Materials on December 20, 2024.

    Crystals are solids formed by atoms or molecules arranged periodically and are used in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, batteries, and many other applications. The structure of a crystal has a significant impact on the material’s properties. In the process of material development, the synthesis of materials requires considerable time and effort, making techniques for predicting crystal structures in advance extremely important. Predicting energetically stable or metastable crystal structures from chemical compositions has been a longstanding challenge in materials science. In principle, crystal structures can be determined by solving energy minimization problems within the atomic configuration space, with energy evaluations typically performed using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory.
    Crystal structure prediction (CSP) is typically addressed by combining first-principles calculations with optimization algorithms. For example, genetic algorithms are often employed to iteratively modify atomic configurations along energy gradients in the search for global or local minima on the energy landscape. However, these conventional approaches require iteratively relaxing a large number of candidate structures through first-principles calculations at each step, resulting in exceptionally high computational costs. This limitation becomes particularly severe for large-scale systems containing 30–40 or more atoms per unit cell, where existing methods face significant difficulties in accurately resolving crystal structures. Recent benchmark studies have revealed that current CSP algorithms can predict only less than 50% of all crystal systems 1, 2, highlighting significant limitations in their performance.
    The research team focused on developing a non-iterative CSP algorithm that eliminates the need for repeated first-principles calculations (Figure 1). First, they constructed an energy predictor using machine learning to approximate the energy calculation of first-principles calculations. By applying transfer learning, they found that a highly accurate energy predictor could be built with only a small number of training data. Next, they used a newly developed crystal structure generator to create promising virtual crystal structures. The energy predictor was then used to narrow down the candidates most likely to lead to stable structures. Finally, they applied first-principles calculations to relax the energies of the selected candidates and predicted the stable structure based on the crystal structure that reached the lowest energy. This algorithm was named ShotgunCSP, inspired by the image of a shotgun spreading across a wide area and carefully analyzing only the hits.
    A key component of ShotgunCSP is the crystal structure generator. Because the structural space of large-scale systems is vast, efficiently narrowing the search space is crucial. The team discovered that machine learning could be used to predict the symmetry of the stable structure for any given composition (such as space groups and Wyckoff positions) with exceptionally high accuracy. This breakthrough enabled the efficient reduction of the search space, significantly lowering computational costs while maintaining high-precision predictions.
    Space groups are mathematical frameworks that characterize the symmetry of crystals, representing a set of geometric operations (such as translation, rotation, inversion, and reflection) that map the atomic arrangement in a crystal lattice to its original positions. All crystals are classified into 230 distinct space groups. The research team demonstrated that, by using a model trained on a crystal structure database, they could narrow down the possible space groups for stable structures to the top 30 or so, enabling nearly complete identification of the space group for any given composition.
    Wyckoff positions describe the degree of freedom for atomic configurations that is allowed under the symmetry operations of a specific space group. Each atom is assigned a Wyckoff label, and the positions of atoms displaced according to the corresponding rules preserve the original symmetry. The team showed that by leveraging machine learning, they could efficiently narrow down the assignment of Wyckoff labels for each atom in any given composition.
    By utilizing these symmetry predictors, the search space for crystal systems can be dramatically reduced, leading to a significant improvement in the accuracy of CSP. According to large-scale performance evaluations conducted in this study, ShotgunCSP is capable of accurately predicting approximately 80% of all crystal systems. Its performance far exceeds that of the elemental-substitution-based CSP algorithm, CSPML 2, which was previously developed by the team and held the top rank in recent benchmarks 1.

    CSP algorithms are foundational technologies that accelerate the development of new materials and scientific discoveries. By identifying the stable structures of materials, significant advancements can be made in exploring high-temperature superconductors, battery materials, catalysts, thermoelectric materials, pharmaceutical molecules, and even material structures under extreme conditions such as high temperature and pressure. The research team succeeded in significantly improving the prediction performance of CSP algorithms by discovering a novel approach, distinct from traditional methods, in which machine learning is used to narrow down the crystal symmetry of stable phases. Additionally, ShotgunCSP, with its simple algorithmic design, possesses high compatibility with parallel computing, and further performance improvements are expected as the computations are scaled up.

    Title: Shotgun crystal structure prediction using machine-learned formation energiesAuthors: Liu Chang, Hiromasa Tamaki, Tomoyasu Yokoyama, Kensuke Wakasugi, Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Minoru Kusaba, Artem R. Oganov, Ryo YoshidaJournal: npj Computational Materials 10, 298 (2024)DOI: 10.1038/s41524-024-01471-8

    This work was partially supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS: 19H05820, 19H01132, 23K16955) and the Japan Science and Technology agency (JST: JPMJCR19I3, JPMJCR22O3, JPMJCR2332).

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Independent Evaluation Report Urges ADB to Adopt a More Systems-Based Approach in Education Sector Operations to Better Address Regional Education Challenges

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (4 March 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) should adopt a more systems-based approach to better address the complex issues facing education systems in the region, according to an Independent Evaluation Report. The evaluation assesses ADB’s contribution to education as a tool for poverty reduction and inclusive growth from 2011 to 2023.

    “ADB is recognized by our developing member countries as a trusted and reliable partner, delivering successful projects and providing essential support to enhance education systems across the region. However, to be more transformative, ADB should prioritize enhanced learning quality and system-wide reforms and invest in strategic partnerships to provide more impactful support for education,” said the Director General of ADB’s Independent Evaluation Department Emmanuel Jimenez.

    Countries in Asia and the Pacific have made impressive progress in expanding access to education over recent decades. However, the region still faces challenges in ensuring equitable access, improving learning outcomes, and aligning the skills provided by education systems with the demands of the modern economy, the evaluation notes. As a result, many economies experience a surplus of graduates while facing skills shortages. These problems were aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Despite aiming to expand education sector lending to 6%–10% by 2024, ADB’s education lending is at 5%, with Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka accounting for almost half of the commitments. Growth has been hindered by insufficient resources, staffing, and structural changes, particularly in countries without existing education portfolios.

    “Enhancing the effectiveness of sector diagnostics and strategic planning at the country level is crucial. Improved diagnostics will help ADB identify policy and institutional constraints, optimize resource allocation, and better support targeted, innovative, and impactful interventions in education across developing member countries,” said evaluation team leader Ari Perdana.

    Education will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive and sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific. This evaluation provides a retrospective assessment of ADB’s efforts and offers forward-looking guidance on how ADB can enhance its support for this critical sector.

    ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2025 hosted by Cambodia Chamber of Commerce

    Source: ASEAN

    At the invitation of Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and the Chair of ASEAN Business Advisory Council Cambodia, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat team to participate in the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2025, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 6 March 2025. Held under the theme “Accelerating ASEAN’s Connectivity: People, Infrastructure and Trade,” the Business Summit is expected to provide an invaluable platform for fostering economic cooperation, increasing connectivity and promoting sustainable development within ASEAN. Throughout his stay in Phnom Penh on 6-7 March 2025, and in addition to his participation in the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2025,SG Dr. Kao will also engage in a series of other significant activities, including holding a bilateral meeting with the President of Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and the Chair of ASEAN Business Advisory Council  Cambodia, visiting the Resource Centre of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), as well as conducting a Roundtable Discussion with the Club of Cambodian Journalists,  with the theme “ASEAN Community Vision 2045: View of the Secretary-General of ASEAN.” 

    This visit underscores the ASEAN Secretariat’s continued support and commitment to strengthening stronger collaboration among ASEAN Member States in reinforcing its dedication to advancing regional cooperation, development and prosperity.
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2025 hosted by Cambodia Chamber of Commerce appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: China Unicom Launches AI Unites All Plan to Bridge Digital Divide Via Industry Intelligence Supported by Huawei

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: China Unicom Launches AI Unites All Plan to Bridge Digital Divide Via Industry Intelligence Supported by Huawei

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] During MWC 2025 in Barcelona, China Unicom held a development workshop with the theme of 5G-A Empowering, AI Transforming, Digital Living. Jian Qin, General Manager (GM) of China Unicom and Yang Chaobin, Huawei Board Member and CEO of the ICT Business Group attended the press conference and delivered speeches. Several representatives from the industry, including GSMA, shared their ideas. The AI Unites All plan and its surrounding achievements were officially released at the conference, angled heavily on the integration of networks, services, and AI.
    Jian Qin delivering a speech

    According to Jian Qin in his speech, “China Unicom remains committed to technological innovation as our guiding principle, actively embracing the Al revolution, and contributing ‘Unicom Intelligence’ and ‘Unicom Solutions’ to global smart transformation. With forward-looking planning and sustained investment in Al, we prioritize integrated innovation across five pillars: computing infrastructure, network connectivity, data resources, model development, and application scenarios. Our goal is to lead and drive the convergence of Al technologies and industrial applications.”
    Yang Chaobin making a speech

    Yang Chaobin mentioned in his speech that Huawei looks forward to working with China Unicom to support their AI Unites All strategy. “We will do this by facilitating a wide range of intelligent user applications with the latest AI technologies. This will allow China Unicom to create new AI service portals with a global impact and make intelligence more inclusive for all,” he said.
    As a strategic partner of China Unicom, Huawei and China Unicom maintain close cooperation and work together on converged AI innovation to seize new business opportunities in the AI era. Both parties have built a cloud-based AI service platform for individual and home users, combining cloud, computing, networks, and devices for a unified AI service portal. For example, during the Asian Winter Games, China Unicom launched personalized and cloud-based AI phones with the AI assistant named Tone. The product uses mainstream foundation models and 5G-A networks to provide users with a consistent experience in all scenarios and secure and reliable AI services. Huawei and China Unicom have also been using AI to empower sectors like government, healthcare, and manufacturing, as well as cultural and creative industries, making network experience more secure, reliable, flexible, scalable, efficient, and collaborative. China Unicom has also been actively engaged in advancing synergy between AI and networks. For smart home services, China Unicom has been a leading player in whole-house fiber broadband. The carrier launched the industry’s first HI-CON (Home Intelligent Collaborative Optical Network) communications system that features optical and Wi-Fi collaboration. This system is powered by an intelligent scheduling algorithm that greatly improves overall network experience for home users.
    Group photo taken at the AI Unites All launch ceremony

    At the conference, China Unicom launched its AI Unites All plan. Under the guidance of its Strategy for Convergence and Innovation, China Unicom will comprehensively advance the synergy of networks and AI to bring intelligent connection to all. It also looks to make AI accessible for use in a much wider range of technologies. By facilitating the integration of services and AI, China Unicom aims to enable various industries to go intelligent and benefit thousands of households.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 is held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
    In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world. For more information, please visit: http://carrier-back.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: W&T Offshore Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results Including Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves, Provides Guidance for 2025 and Declares Dividend for First Quarter of 2025

    Source: W & T Offshore Inc

    Headline: W&T Offshore Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results Including Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves, Provides Guidance for 2025 and Declares Dividend for First Quarter of 2025

    HOUSTON, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — W&T Offshore, Inc. (NYSE: WTI) (“W&T,” the “Company” or “us”) today reported operational and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, including the Company’s year-end 2024 reserve report. Detailed guidance for the first quarter of 2025 and full year 2025 was also provided, and W&T announced its dividend for the first quarter of 2025.

    This press release includes non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted Net Loss, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt and PV-10 which are described and reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measures below in the accompanying tables under “Non-GAAP Information.”

    Key highlights for the fourth quarter of 2024, the full year 2024 and since year end 2024 include:

    • Delivered production in full year 2024 of 33.3 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (“MBoe/d”) (43% oil), or 12.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (“MMBoe”). This production was within the Company’s guidance range despite impacts from three hurricanes in the Gulf of America (“GOA”) and other downtime which was mainly related to the Cox acquisition (as defined below);
      • Achieved mid-point of the guidance for annual oil production and increased it by 4% year-over-year;
      • Produced 32.1 MBoe/d (43% oil) or 3.0 MMBoe in fourth quarter 2024, within W&T’s guidance range;
      • Announced the Main Pass 108 and 98 fields as well as the West Delta 73 field are expected to come back online in the second quarter of 2025;
    • Increased year-end 2024 proved reserves at SEC pricing to 127.0 MMBoe, with oil reserves increasing 39%;
      • Reported a standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows of $740.1 million and a present value of estimated future oil and natural gas revenues, minus direct expenses, discounted at a 10% annual rate (“PV-10”) of $1.2 billion, a 14% increase compared to PV-10 for year-end 2023, despite lower SEC pricing;
      • Benefited from acquisitions totaling 21.7 MMBoe, along with positive well performance and technical revisions of 5.0 MMBoe, partially offset by 10.5 MMBoe of negative price revisions and 12.2 MMBoe of production for the year, resulting in replacement of 219% of 2024 production with new reserves;
    • Incurred lease operating expenses (“LOE”) of $281.5 million in full year 2024, at the low end of the Company’s full year guidance range and $64.3 million in fourth quarter 2024, 12% below the low end of the Company’s fourth quarter guidance;
    • Acquired six shallow water GOA fields in January 2024 (“the Cox acquisition”), all of which are 100% working interest and located adjacent to existing W&T operations, for $77.3 million, which was funded with cash on hand;
    • Sold a non-core interest in Garden Banks Blocks 385 and 386 in January 2025, which included latest net production of approximately 195 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”) (72% oil) for $11.9 million (the “Garden Banks Disposition”), or over $60,000 per flowing barrel, after customary closing adjustments;
    • Received $58.5 million in cash for an insurance settlement (the “Insurance Settlement”) related to the Mobile Bay 78-1 well, in first quarter of 2025, which further bolsters W&T’s balance sheet;
    • Successfully refinanced the Company’s $275.0 million 11.75% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2026 (the “11.75% Notes”) and $114.2 million outstanding amount under the term loan provided by Munich Re Risk Financing, Inc., as lender (the “MRE Term Loan”) with proceeds from the issuance of new $350.0 million of 10.75% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2029 (the “10.75% Notes”) in January 2025 and available cash on hand;
      • Paid down and effectively reduced gross debt by around $39.0 million;
      • Eliminated principal payments of $27.6 million in 2025, $25.4 million in 2026, $22.9 million in 2027 and $38.3 million in 2028;
      • Lowered interest rate on the Senior Second Lien Notes by 100 basis points;
    • Entered into a new credit agreement in the first quarter 2025 for a $50 million revolving credit facility which matures in July 2028, that is undrawn and replaces the previous credit facility provided by Calculus Lending, LLC;
    • Reported net loss for full year 2024 of $87.1 million, or $(0.59) per diluted share and net loss of $23.4 million, or $(0.16) per diluted share for fourth quarter 2024;
      • Adjusted Net Loss totaled $67.6 million, or $(0.46) per diluted share for full year 2024, and $26.2 million, or $(0.18) per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2024, which primarily excludes the net unrealized gain on outstanding derivative contracts, non-ARO plugging and abandonment (“P&A”) costs, other costs and the related tax effect;
    • Generated Adjusted EBITDA of $153.6 million in full year 2024 and $31.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024;
    • Produced net cash from operating activities of $59.5 million and Free Cash Flow of $44.9 million in full year 2024;
    • Reported cash and cash equivalents of $109.0 million, lowered total debt to $393.2 million and lowered Net Debt to $284.2 million at December 31, 2024;
    • Added costless collar hedges for 50,000 million British Thermal Units per day (“MMBtu/d”) of natural gas for the period of March through December 2025;
    • Paid fifth consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.01 per common share in November 2024; and
      • Declared first quarter 2025 dividend of $0.01 per share, which will be payable on March 24, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2025;

    Tracy W. Krohn, W&T’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We delivered solid results in 2024 thanks to our continued commitment to executing on our strategic vision focused on free cash flow generation, maintaining solid production and maximizing margins. We generated strong Adjusted EBITDA of $153.6 million and Free Cash Flow of $44.9 million for full year 2024. This was achieved despite limited contribution from the Cox acquisition as we continued to work on enhancing long-term value for these assets at the expense of deferring some near-term production. Some of this benefit is already reflected in our year-end reserves, which saw a 39% increase in oil reserves, and our PV-10 increased by almost $150 million, despite lower SEC pricing compared to year end 2023. We replaced production by over 200% with our positive revisions and acquisitions. Our focus on cost control and capturing synergies associated with our asset acquisitions contributed to our LOE coming in at the bottom end of our reduced guidance range. In addition, we are expecting further production uplift associated with the remaining fields from the Cox acquisition coming online in the second quarter of 2025 that have been shut in so that we could improve the facilities and transportation of production to enhance safety and efficiency of operations in the future.”

    “In early 2025, we strengthened our balance sheet by closing the new 10.75% Notes, entered into a new revolving credit facility and added material cash through a non-core disposition and an insurance settlement. The new 10.75% Notes have an interest rate 100 basis points lower than our 11.75% Notes and received improved credit ratings from S&P and Moody’s, had a broad distribution including international investors and were significantly oversubscribed. We also received a $58.5 million cash insurance settlement payment related to a well loss event. Finally, we sold our non-core interests for $11.9 million after customary closing adjustments in Garden Banks 385 and 386 at over $60,000 per flowing barrel which is highly accretive to W&T. This further demonstrates the value of our assets and our ability to divest our properties at attractive multiples.”

    Mr. Krohn concluded, “As we progress through 2025 with a stronger balance sheet, we remain poised to take advantage of potential acquisitions that will be accretive to our stakeholders. We remain committed to enhancing shareholder value and returning value to our shareholders through the quarterly dividend in place since November 2023. Our strategy has proven to be sustainable over the past 40 plus years, and we are well-positioned to continue to successfully execute it in the future.”

    Production, Prices and Revenue: Production for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 32.1 MBoe/d, within the Company’s fourth quarter guidance and up 4% compared with 31.0 MBoe/d for the third quarter of 2024 and down compared with 34.1 MBoe/d for the corresponding period in 2023. Production in the second half of 2024 was temporarily reduced mainly due to multiple named storms and third-party downtime. Fourth quarter 2024 production was comprised of 13.7 thousand barrels per day (“MBbl/d”) of oil (43%), 3.0 MBbl/d of natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) (9%), and 92.4 million cubic feet per day (“MMcf/d”) of natural gas (48%).

    W&T’s average realized price per Boe before realized derivative settlements was $39.86 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of 5% from $41.92 per Boe in the third quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 4% from $41.55 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2023. Fourth quarter 2024 oil, NGL and natural gas prices before realized derivative settlements were $68.71 per barrel of oil, $24.59 per barrel of NGL and $2.85 per Mcf of natural gas.

    Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $120.3 million, which were slightly lower than the third quarter of 2024 revenues of $121.4 million driven by lower realized prices for oil. Fourth quarter 2024 revenues were approximately 9% lower than $132.3 million of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to lower average realized prices and lower production volumes.

    Lease Operating Expenses: LOE, which includes base lease operating expenses, insurance premiums, workovers and facilities maintenance expenses, was $64.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, which was 12% below the low end of the previously provided guidance range of $73.0 to $81.0 million. LOE came in lower than expected as the Company continued to realize synergies from asset acquisitions in late 2023 and early 2024. LOE for the fourth quarter of 2024 was approximately 11% lower compared to $72.4 million in the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to favorable audit adjustments, an increase in royalty credits and lower repairs and maintenance costs. LOE for the fourth quarter of 2024 was essentially flat compared to $64.6 million for the corresponding period in 2023. On a component basis for the fourth quarter of 2024, base LOE and insurance premiums were $53.5 million, workovers were $0.9 million, and facilities maintenance and other expenses were $9.9 million. On a unit of production basis, LOE was $21.76 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to $25.37 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and $20.61 per Boe for the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting a decrease in production in the periods.

    Gathering, Transportation Costs and Production Taxes: Gathering, transportation costs and production taxes totaled $5.9 million ($2.00 per Boe) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $6.1 million ($2.15 per Boe) in the third quarter of 2024 and $6.6 million ($2.11 per Boe) in the fourth quarter of 2023. Gathering, transportation costs and production taxes decreased in the fourth quarter of 2024 from the prior quarter due to lower processing and transportation fees offset by increased production taxes.

    Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (“DD&A”): DD&A was $12.94 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to $11.99 per Boe and $10.73 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively.

    Asset Retirement Obligations Accretion: Asset retirement obligations accretion was $2.76 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to $2.75 per Boe and $2.35 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively.

    General & Administrative Expenses (“G&A”): G&A was $20.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, which increased from $19.7 million in the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to higher quarter over quarter accrual for non-cash long-term incentives and increased from $18.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 primarily due to higher quarter over quarter accruals for short-term incentives and non-cash long term incentives. On a unit of production basis, G&A was $7.04 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $6.91 per Boe in the third quarter of 2024 and $5.82 per Boe in the corresponding period of 2023. These differences are primarily related to production variances.

    Derivative (Gain) Loss, net: In the fourth quarter of 2024, W&T recorded a net loss of $2.1 million with commodity derivative contracts comprised of $2.6 million of realized losses and $0.5 million of unrealized gains related to the increase in fair value of open contracts. W&T recognized a net gain of $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2024 and a net gain of $13.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to commodity derivative activities.

    To take advantage of the recent uptick in prices for natural gas, W&T recently added Henry Hub costless collars for 50,000 MMBtu/d of natural gas for the period of March through December 2025 with a floor of $3.88 per MMBtu and a ceiling of $5.125 per MMBtu.

    A summary of the Company’s outstanding derivative positions is provided in the investor presentation posted on W&T’s website.

    Interest Expense: Net interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $10.2 million compared to $10.0 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $9.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Other Expense: During 2021 and 2022, as a result of the declaration of bankruptcy by a third party that is the indirect successor in title to certain offshore interests that were previously divested by the Company, W&T recorded a contingent loss accrual related to anticipated non-ARO P&A costs. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company reassessed its existing obligations and recorded a $2.8 million decrease in the contingent loss accrual.

    Income Tax (Benefit) Expense: W&T recognized an income tax benefit of $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to the recognition of an income tax benefit of $4.5 million and an income tax expense of $1.9 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    Capital Expenditures and Asset Retirement Settlements: Capital expenditures on an accrual basis (excluding acquisitions) in the fourth quarter of 2024 were $12.2 million, and asset retirement settlement costs totaled $19.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2024, capital expenditures on an accrual basis (excluding acquisitions) totaled $28.6 million and asset retirements costs were $39.7 million. Investments related to acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled $80.6 million, which included $77.3 million for the Cox acquisition and $3.3 million of final purchase price adjustments related to W&T’s acquisition of properties in September 2023.

    Balance Sheet and Liquidity: As of December 31, 2024, W&T had available liquidity of $159.0 million comprised of $109.0 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $50.0 million of borrowing availability under W&T’s first priority secured revolving facility provided by Calculus Lending LLC. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had total debt of $393.2 million and Net Debt of $284.2 million. As of December 31, 2024, Net Debt to trailing twelve months (“TTM”) Adjusted EBITDA was 1.8x.

    Debt Refinance: On January 28, 2025 W&T closed an offering of the 10.75% Notes at par in a private offering that was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company used a portion of the proceeds from the 10.75% Notes offering, along with cash on hand to, (i) purchase for cash pursuant to a tender offer, such of the Company’s outstanding 11.75% Notes that were validly tendered pursuant to the terms thereof, (ii) repay $114.2 million outstanding under the Term Loan, (iii) fund the full redemption amount for an August 1, 2025 redemption of the remaining 11.75% Notes not validly tendered and accepted for purchase in the tender offer, and (iv) pay premiums, fees and expenses related to these transactions. On the closing date of the offering of the 10.75% Notes, the Company completed all actions necessary to satisfy and discharge the indenture governing the 11.75% Notes.

    Pro forma for the debt refinance, the Garden Banks Disposition and the Insurance Settlement, as of December 31, 2024, W&T’s cash and cash equivalents would have been approximately $104.3 million, total debt would have been approximately $349.5 million and Net Debt would have been approximately $245.2 million. As of December 31, 2024, the pro forma Net Debt to TTM Adjusted EBITDA would have been 1.6x.

    In conjunction with the issuance of the 10.75% Notes, the Company entered into a new credit agreement which provides the Company with a revolving credit and letter of credit facility, with initial lending commitments of $50 million with a letter of credit sublimit of $10 million. The Credit Facility matures on July 28, 2028.

    Accretive Acquisition of Producing Properties in the GOA: In January 2024, W&T was the successful bidder for six fields in the GOA, including Eugene Island 64, Main Pass 61, Mobile 904, Mobile 916, South Pass 49 and West Delta 73, all of which include a 100% working interest and an average 82% net revenue interest. They are located in water depths ranging between approximately 15 and 400 feet. Their proximity to W&T’s areas of existing operations provides the ability for W&T to capture synergies regarding personnel, well optimization, gathering and transport. The final purchase price for the assets was $77.3 million, after closing costs and other transaction costs, which were funded from the Company’s cash on hand. Key highlights of the transaction included:

    • Added significant year-end 2024 reserves of 21.7 MMBoe (62% liquids), even after excluding 1.3 MMBoe of production during 2024;
    • Based on the cash consideration paid of $77.3 million, this equates to a price of $3.38 per Boe of 2024 SEC reserves booked, when adding back 2024 production of 1.3 MMBoe;
    • Multiple fields were immediately shut-in while improvements were made to bring them up to W&T’s standards for safety and efficiency. Those fields are expected to come back online in the first half of 2025;
      • The Main Pass 108 and 98 fields as well as the West Delta 73 field are expected to return to production in the second quarter of 2025; and
    • The Company believes that it can further increase production on these properties through workovers, recompletions and ongoing facility upgrades.

    Non-Core Asset Disposition

    In early 2025, W&T sold a non-core interest in Garden Banks Blocks 385 and 386, which included net production of approximately 195 Boe/d, for $11.9 million after normal purchase price adjustments. The effective date of the sale was December 1, 2024, and the transaction closed in January 2025. The impact to W&T’s reserves for year-end 2024 were minimal at about 0.12 MMBoe.

    Full Year-End 2024 Financial Review

    W&T reported a net loss for the full year 2024 of $87.1 million, or $(0.59) per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Loss of $67.6 million, or $(0.46) per diluted share. For the full year 2023, the Company reported net income of $15.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Loss of $21.7 million, or $(0.15) per diluted share. W&T generated Adjusted EBITDA of $153.6 million for the full year 2024 compared to $183.2 million in 2023. The year-over-year decrease was primarily driven by lower oil and natural gas prices and decreased production. Revenues totaled $525.3 million for 2024 compared with $532.7 million in 2023. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $59.5 million compared with $115.3 million for the same period in 2023. Free Cash Flow totaled $44.9 million in 2024 compared with $63.3 million in 2023.

    Production for 2024 averaged 33.3 MBoe/d for a total of 12.2 MMBoe, comprised of 5.3 MMBbl of oil, 1.2 MMBbl of NGLs and 34.3 Bcf of natural gas. Full year 2023 production averaged 34.9 MBoe/d or 12.7 MMBoe in total and was comprised of 5.1 MMBbl of oil, 1.4 MMBbl of NGLs and 37.6 Bcf of natural gas.  

    For the full year 2024, W&T’s average realized sales price per barrel of crude oil was $75.28 and $23.08 per barrel of NGLs and $2.65 per Mcf of natural gas. While the realized pricing for oil and natural gas were down year-over-year, the production mix was more weighted toward oil in 2024, thus the equivalent sales price for 2024 was $42.23 per Boe, which was 3% higher than the equivalent price of $41.16 per Boe realized in 2023.  For 2023, the Company’s realized crude oil sales price was $75.52 per barrel, NGL sales price was $22.93 per barrel, and natural gas price was $2.93 per Mcf.

    For the full year 2024, LOE was $281.5 million compared to $257.7 million in 2023. While LOE increased year-over-year in 2024 due to increased workover and facility investments, higher oil production and costs from the acquisition of additional properties in January 2024 and September 2023, W&T’s LOE for 2024 was 10% below the midpoint guidance for LOE as the Company was able to mitigate some of these increased costs through synergies from the asset acquisitions.

    Gathering, transportation, and production taxes totaled $28.2 million in 2024, an increase from the $26.3 million in 2023.

    For the full year 2024, G&A was $82.4 million, which was a 9% increase over the $75.5 million reported in 2023. The increase year-over-year is primarily due to increased salary and benefits costs and non-recurring legal fees that were somewhat offset by lower accruals for short-term incentives. On a per unit basis, G&A per Boe was $6.76 in 2024, up from $5.93 per Boe in 2023.  G&A increased on a per Boe basis primarily due to lower production.  

    OPERATIONS UPDATE

    Well Recompletions and Workovers

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company performed two workovers and two recompletions that positively impacted production for the quarter. W&T plans to continue performing these low cost and low risk short payout operations that impact both production and revenue.

    Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves

    The Company’s year-end 2024 SEC proved reserves were 127.0 MMBoe, compared with 123.0 MMBoe at year-end 2023. In 2024, W&T recorded positive performance revisions of 5.0 MMBoe, and acquisitions of reserves of 21.7 MMBoe, which were offset by 10.5 MMBoe of negative price revisions and 12.2 MMBoe of production for the year.  During 2024, W&T continued to focus on reducing Net Debt while identifying and executing attractive acquisitions.  Successful workovers, operational excellence and acquisitions allowed W&T to replace 219% of production with new reserves.  

    The SEC twelve-month first day of the month average spot prices used in the preparation of the report for year-end 2024 were $76.32 per barrel of oil and $2.13 per MMBtu of natural gas. Comparable prices used for the prior year report were $78.21 per barrel of oil and $2.64 per MMBtu of natural gas. The PV-10 of W&T’s proved reserves at year-end 2024 increased 14% to $1.2 billion from $1.1 billion at year-end 2023, driven primarily by an increase in oil reserves due to the acquisition in January 2024 and by positive reserve performance revisions which were somewhat offset by lower SEC pricing.

    Approximately 51% of year-end 2024 proved reserves were liquids (41% crude oil and 10% NGLs) and 49% natural gas. The reserves were classified as 52% proved developed producing, 31% proved developed non-producing, and 17% proved undeveloped. W&T’s reserve life ratio at year-end 2024, based on year-end 2024 proved reserves and 2024 production, was 10.4 years.

                           
        Oil   NGLs   Natural Gas       PV-101
        (MMBbls)   (MMBbls)   (Bcf)   MMBoe   ($MM)
    Proved reserves as of December 31, 2023   37.0     13.7     434.0     123.0     $ 1,080.9
    Revisions of previous estimates   7.4     1.8     (26.1 )   5.0        
    Revisions due to change in SEC prices   (0.4 )   (1.6 )   (51.0 )   (10.5 )      
    Purchase of minerals in place   12.9     0.3     51.8     21.7        
    Production   (5.3 )   (1.2 )   (34.3 )   (12.2 )      
    Proved reserves as of December 31, 2024   51.6     13.0     374.4     127.0     $ 1,229.5

    (1)   PV-10 for this presentation excludes any provisions for asset retirement obligations or income taxes.

    In accordance with guidelines established by the SEC, estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 were determined to be economically producible under existing economic conditions, which requires the use of the 12-month average of the first-day-of-the-month price for the year ended December 31, 2024. The WTI spot price and the Henry Hub spot price were utilized as the reference prices and after adjusting for quality, transportation, fees, energy content, and regional price differentials, the average realized prices were $74.69 per barrel for oil, $22.98 per barrel for NGLs, and $2.58 per Mcf for natural gas. In determining the estimated realized price for NGLs, a ratio was computed for each field of the NGLs realized price compared to the crude oil realized price. This ratio was then applied to the crude price using SEC guidance. Such prices were held constant throughout the estimated lives of the reserves. Future estimated production and development costs are based on year-end costs with no escalations.

    The standardized measure of future net cash flows was $740.1 million at December 31, 2024, which is calculated as the PV-10 of $1,229.5 million less discounted cash outflows of $334.6 million associated with asset retirement obligations and $154.8 million associated with income taxes. At December 31, 2023, the standardized measure was $683.2 million, which is calculated as the PV-10 of $1,080.9 million less discounted cash outflows of $246.7 million associated with asset retirement obligations and $151.0 million associated with income taxes.

    First Quarter and Full Year 2025 Production and Expense Guidance

    The guidance for the first quarter and full year 2025 in the table below represents the Company’s current expectations. Please refer to the section entitled “Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements” below for risk factors that could impact guidance.

    In the first quarter of 2025, there have been several planned facility and pipeline maintenance projects as well as unplanned downtime at several fields due to multiple winter freezes in the first quarter of 2025 that temporarily reduced production. Full year 2025 production reflects the West Delta 73 field returning to production in the second quarter as well as the other fields that were temporarily shut-in during the first quarter of 2025. First quarter 2025 LOE is expected to be higher than the prior quarter due to increased maintenance and repair costs and facility upgrades; full year 2025 LOE is expected to be modestly higher than 2024.

         
    Production First Quarter 2025 Full Year 2025
    Oil (MBbl) 1,130 – 1,250 5,150 – 5,690
    NGLs (MBbl) 205 – 235 1,020 – 1,140
    Natural gas (MMcf) 7,220 – 7,980 34,880 – 38,560
    Total equivalents (MBoe) 2,538 – 2,815 11,983 – 13,257
    Average daily equivalents (MBoe/d) 27.6 – 30.6 32.8 – 36.3
    Expenses First Quarter 2025 Full Year 2025
    Lease operating expense ($MM) 72.5 – 80.5 280.0 – 310.0
    Gathering, transportation & production taxes ($MM) 6.1 – 6.9 27.1 – 30.1
    General & administrative – cash ($MM) 17.8 – 19.8 62.0 – 69.0
    General & administrative – non-cash ($MM) 2.1 – 2.5 10.1 – 11.3
    DD&A ($ per Boe)   13.40 – 14.90

    W&T expects substantially all income taxes in 2025 to be deferred. 

    2025 Capital Investment Program

    W&T’s capital expenditure budget for 2025 is expected to be in the range of $34.0 million to $42.0 million, which excludes potential acquisition opportunities.  Included in this range are planned expenditures related to asset integrations as well as ongoing costs related to the acquisitions for facilities, leasehold, seismic, and recompletions. 

    Plugging and abandonment expenditures are expected to be in the range of $27.0 million to $37.0 million.  The Company spent approximately $40 million on these costs in 2024.

    Conference Call Information: W&T will hold a conference call to discuss its financial and operational results on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Time). Interested parties may dial 1-844-739-3797. International parties may dial 1-412-317-5713. Participants should request to connect to the “W&T Offshore Conference Call.” This call will also be webcast and available on W&T’s website at www.wtoffshore.com under “Investors.” An audio replay will be available on the Company’s website following the call.

    About W&T Offshore

    W&T Offshore, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas producer with operations offshore in the Gulf of America and has grown through acquisitions, exploration and development. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had working interests in 52 fields in federal and state waters (which include 45 fields in federal waters and seven in state waters). The Company has under lease approximately 646,200 gross acres (502,300 net acres) spanning across the outer continental shelf off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, with approximately 493,000 gross acres on the conventional shelf, approximately 147,700 gross acres in the deepwater and 5,500 gross acres in Alabama state waters. A majority of the Company’s daily production is derived from wells it operates. For more information on W&T, please visit the Company’s website at www.wtoffshore.com.

    Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this release, including those regarding the Company’s financial position, operating and financial performance, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations, projected costs, industry conditions, potential acquisitions, sustainability initiatives, the impact of and integration of acquired assets, and indebtedness are forward-looking statements. When used in this release, forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “target,” “could,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Items contemplating or making assumptions about actual or potential future production and sales, prices, market size, and trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements.

    These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and speak only as of the date of this release. While management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results described in these statements. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements, unless required by law.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, among other things, the regulatory environment, including availability or timing of, and conditions imposed on, obtaining and/or maintaining permits and approvals, including those necessary for drilling and/or development projects; the impact of current, pending and/or future laws and regulations, and of legislative and regulatory changes and other government activities, including those related to permitting, drilling, completion, well stimulation, operation, maintenance or abandonment of wells or facilities, managing energy, water, land, greenhouse gases or other emissions, protection of health, safety and the environment, or transportation, marketing and sale of the Company’s products; inflation levels; global economic trends, geopolitical risks and general economic and industry conditions, such as the global supply chain disruptions and the government interventions into the financial markets and economy in response to inflation levels and world health events; volatility of oil, NGL and natural gas prices; the global energy future, including the factors and trends that are expected to shape it, such as concerns about climate change and other air quality issues, the transition to a low-emission economy and the expected role of different energy sources; supply of and demand for oil, natural gas and NGLs, including due to the actions of foreign producers, importantly including OPEC and other major oil producing companies (“OPEC+”) and change in OPEC+’s production levels; disruptions to, capacity constraints in, or other limitations on the pipeline systems that deliver the Company’s oil and natural gas and other processing and transportation considerations; inability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or to obtain adequate financing to fund capital expenditures, meet the Company’s working capital requirements or fund planned investments; price fluctuations and availability of natural gas and electricity; the Company’s ability to use derivative instruments to manage commodity price risk; the Company’s ability to meet the Company’s planned drilling schedule, including due to the Company’s ability to obtain permits on a timely basis or at all, and to successfully drill wells that produce oil and natural gas in commercially viable quantities; uncertainties associated with estimating proved reserves and related future cash flows; the Company’s ability to replace the Company’s reserves through exploration and development activities; drilling and production results, lower–than–expected production, reserves or resources from development projects or higher–than–expected decline rates; the Company’s ability to obtain timely and available drilling and completion equipment and crew availability and access to necessary resources for drilling, completing and operating wells; changes in tax laws; effects of competition; uncertainties and liabilities associated with acquired and divested assets; the Company’s ability to make acquisitions and successfully integrate any acquired businesses; asset impairments from commodity price declines; large or multiple customer defaults on contractual obligations, including defaults resulting from actual or potential insolvencies; geographical concentration of the Company’s operations; the creditworthiness and performance of the Company’s counterparties with respect to its hedges; impact of derivatives legislation affecting the Company’s ability to hedge; failure of risk management and ineffectiveness of internal controls; catastrophic events, including tropical storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, pandemics and other world health events; environmental risks and liabilities under U.S. federal, state, tribal and local laws and regulations (including remedial actions); potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation; the Company’s ability to recruit and/or retain key members of the Company’s senior management and key technical employees; information technology failures or cyberattacks; and governmental actions and political conditions, as well as the actions by other third parties that are beyond the Company’s control, and other factors discussed in W&T Offshore’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q found at www.sec.gov or at the Company’s website at www.wtoffshore.com under the Investor Relations section.

                                   
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
           2024        2024        2023     2024        2023  
    Revenues:                              
    Oil   $ 86,778     $ 90,862     $ 94,076     $ 395,620     $ 381,389  
    NGLs     6,713       5,636       6,851       27,978       32,446  
    Natural gas     24,203       23,148       29,401       90,877       110,158  
    Other     2,651       1,726       2,012       10,786       8,663  
    Total revenues     120,345       121,372       132,340       525,261       532,656  
                                   
    Operating expenses:                              
    Lease operating expenses     64,259       72,412       64,643       281,488       257,676  
    Gathering, transportation and production taxes     5,912       6,147       6,620       28,177       26,250  
    Depreciation, depletion, and amortization     38,208       34,206       33,658       143,025       114,677  
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     8,157       7,848       7,377       32,374       29,018  
    General and administrative expenses     20,799       19,723       18,251       82,391       75,541  
    Total operating expenses     137,335       140,336       130,549       567,455       503,162  
                                   
    Operating (loss) income     (16,990 )     (18,964 )     1,791       (42,194 )     29,494  
                                   
    Interest expense, net     10,226       9,992       9,729       40,454       44,689  
    Derivative (gain) loss, net     2,113       (3,199 )     (13,199 )     (3,589 )     (54,759 )
    Other (income) expense, net     (4,118 )     15,709       3,772       18,071       5,621  
    (Loss) income before income taxes     (25,211 )     (41,466 )     1,489       (97,130 )     33,943  
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (1,849 )     (4,545 )     1,932       (9,985 )     18,345  
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
                                   
    Net (loss) income per share:                              
    Basic   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.25 )   $     $ (0.59 )   $ 0.11  
    Diluted     (0.16 )     (0.25 )           (0.59 )     0.11  
                                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding                              
    Basic     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       146,483  
    Diluted     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       148,302  
                                   
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Condensed Operating Data
    (Unaudited)
                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
        2024   2024      2023   2024      2023
    Net sales volumes:                              
    Oil (MBbls)     1,263     1,210     1,219     5,255     5,050
    NGLs (MBbls)     273     262     329     1,212     1,415
    Natural gas (MMcf)     8,505     8,289     9,533     34,296     37,591
    Total oil and natural gas (MBoe) (1)     2,953     2,854     3,136     12,183     12,730
                                   
    Average daily equivalent sales (MBoe/d)     32.1     31.0     34.1     33.3     34.9
                                   
    Average realized sales prices (before the impact of derivative settlements):                              
    Oil ($/Bbl)   $ 68.71   $ 75.09   $ 77.17   $ 75.28   $ 75.52
    NGLs ($/Bbl)     24.59     21.51     20.82     23.08     22.93
    Natural gas ($/Mcf)     2.85     2.79     3.08     2.65     2.93
    Barrel of oil equivalent ($/Boe)     39.86     41.92     41.55     42.23     41.16
                                   
    Average operating expenses per Boe ($/Boe):                              
    Lease operating expenses   $ 21.76   $ 25.37   $ 20.61   $ 23.10   $ 20.24
    Gathering, transportation and production taxes     2.00     2.15     2.11     2.31     2.06
    Depreciation, depletion, and amortization     12.94     11.99     10.73     11.74     9.01
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     2.76     2.75     2.35     2.66     2.28
    General and administrative expenses     7.04     6.91     5.82     6.76     5.93

    (1)   MBoe is determined using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of crude oil, condensate or NGLs (totals may not compute due to rounding). The conversion ratio does not assume price equivalency and the price on an equivalent basis for oil, NGLs and natural gas may differ significantly. The realized prices presented above are volume-weighted for production in the respective period.

                 
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
                 
           December 31,    December 31, 
        2024     2023  
    Assets            
    Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 109,003     $ 173,338  
    Restricted cash     1,552       4,417  
    Receivables:            
    Oil and natural gas sales     63,558       52,080  
    Joint interest, net     25,841       15,480  
    Other           2,218  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     18,504       17,447  
    Total current assets     218,458       264,980  
                 
    Oil and natural gas properties, net     777,741       749,056  
    Restricted deposits for asset retirement obligations     22,730       22,272  
    Deferred income taxes     48,808       38,774  
    Other assets     31,193       38,923  
    Total assets   $ 1,098,930     $ 1,114,005  
                 
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity            
    Current liabilities:            
    Accounts payable   $ 83,625     $ 78,857  
    Accrued liabilities     33,271       31,978  
    Undistributed oil and natural gas proceeds     53,131       42,134  
    Advances from joint interest partners     2,443       2,962  
    Current portion of asset retirement obligations     46,326       31,553  
    Current portion of long-term debt, net     27,288       29,368  
    Total current liabilities     246,084       216,852  
                 
    Asset retirement obligations     502,506       467,262  
    Long-term debt, net     365,935       361,236  
    Other liabilities     16,182       19,420  
                 
    Commitments and contingencies     20,800       18,043  
                 
    Shareholders’ (deficit) equity:            
    Preferred stock            
    Common stock     2       1  
    Additional paid-in capital     595,407       586,014  
    Retained deficit     (623,819 )     (530,656 )
    Treasury stock     (24,167 )     (24,167 )
    Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity     (52,577 )     31,192  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity   $ 1,098,930     $ 1,114,005  
                                   
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
        2024     2024        2023     2024        2023  
    Operating activities:                              
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:                              
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion     46,365       42,054       41,035       175,399       143,695  
    Share-based compensation     3,818       1,956       3,124       10,192       10,383  
    Amortization and write off of debt issuance costs     1,117       1,109       1,266       4,562       6,980  
    Derivative loss (gain), net     2,113       (3,199 )     (13,199 )     (3,589 )     (54,759 )
    Derivative cash (settlements) receipts, net     (1,638 )     1,208       (2,809 )     4,527       (8,932 )
    Deferred income (benefit) taxes     (1,941 )     (4,545 )     3,838       (10,077 )     18,485  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                              
    Accounts receivable     (17,064 )     21,913       (2,989 )     (19,621 )     12,586  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,792       2,502       (28,262 )     (1,450 )     (2,712 )
    Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other     3,831       (2,962 )     43,155       26,433       7,972  
    Asset retirement obligation settlements     (19,348 )     (8,347 )     (9,052 )     (39,692 )     (33,970 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (4,317 )     14,768       35,664       59,539       115,326  
                                   
    Investing activities:                              
    Investment in oil and natural gas properties and equipment     (14,124 )     (9,577 )     (12,139 )     (37,357 )     (41,813 )
    Acquisition of property interests                 1,479       (80,635 )     (27,384 )
    Deposit related to acquisition of property interests                 8,850              
    Purchase of corporate aircraft                             (8,983 )
    Purchases of furniture, fixtures and other     (19 )     (69 )     (347 )     (185 )     (3,428 )
    Net cash used in investing activities     (14,143 )     (9,646 )     (2,157 )     (118,177 )     (81,608 )
                                   
    Financing activities:                              
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                             275,000  
    Repayments of long-term debt     (275 )     (275 )     (7,687 )     (1,100 )     (586,934 )
    Debt issuance costs     (183 )     (174 )           (762 )     (7,380 )
    Payment of dividends     (1,475 )     (1,473 )     (1,466 )     (5,902 )     (1,466 )
    Other     (13 )     (31 )     (9 )     (798 )     (957 )
    Net cash used in financing activities     (1,946 )     (1,953 )     (9,162 )     (8,562 )     (321,737 )
    Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (20,406 )     3,169       24,345       (67,200 )     (288,019 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period     130,961       127,792       153,410       177,755       465,774  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period   $ 110,555     $ 130,961     $ 177,755     $ 110,555     $ 177,755  


    W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Non-GAAP Information

    Certain financial information included in W&T’s financial results are not measures of financial performance recognized by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are “Net Debt,” “Adjusted Net Loss,” “Adjusted EBITDA,” “Free Cash Flow” and “PV-10” or are derivable from a combination of these measures. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of performance. These disclosures may not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be reported by other companies. Prior period amounts have been conformed to the methodology and presentation of the current period.

    We calculate Net Debt as total debt (current and long-term portions), less cash and cash equivalents. Management uses Net Debt to evaluate the Company’s financial position, including its ability to service its debt obligations.

    Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income to Adjusted Net Loss

    Adjusted Net Loss adjusts for certain items that the Company believes affect comparability of operating results, including items that are generally non-recurring in nature or whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. These items include unrealized commodity derivative gain, net, allowance for credit losses, write-off of debt issuance costs, non-recurring legal and IT-related costs, non-ARO P&A costs, and other which are then tax effected using the Federal Statutory Rate. Company management believes that this presentation is relevant and useful because it helps investors to understand the net (loss) income of the Company without the effects of certain non-recurring or unusual expenses and certain income or loss that is not realized by the Company.

                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
        2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
          (in thousands)
          (Unaudited)
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
    Unrealized commodity derivative gain, net     (497 )     (1,829 )     (14,785 )     (710 )     (58,846 )
    Allowance for credit losses     118       10       28       558       37  
    Write-off debt issuance costs                             2,330  
    Non-recurring legal and IT-related costs     860       (22 )     413       5,798       3,044  
    Non-ARO P&A costs     (2,763 )     16,627       4,137       20,925       6,246  
    Other     (1,302 )     (633 )     (240 )     (1,845 )     31  
    Tax effect of selected items (1)     753       (2,972 )     2,194       (5,192 )     9,903  
    Adjusted net loss   $ (26,193 )   $ (25,740 )   $ (8,696 )   $ (67,611 )   $ (21,657 )
                                   
    Adjusted net loss per common share:                              
    Basic   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.46 )   $ (0.15 )
    Diluted   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.46 )   $ (0.15 )
                                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                              
    Basic     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       146,483  
    Diluted     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       146,483  

    (1)   Selected items were tax effected with the Federal Statutory Rate of 21% for each respective period.


    W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Non-GAAP Information

    Adjusted EBITDA/ Free Cash Flow Reconciliations

    The Company also presents non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net (loss) income plus net interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, ARO accretion, excluding the unrealized commodity derivative gain, allowance for credit losses, non-cash incentive compensation, non-recurring legal and IT-related costs, non-ARO P&A costs, and other. Company management believes this presentation is relevant and useful because it helps investors understand W&T’s operating performance and makes it easier to compare its results with those of other companies that have different financing, capital and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income, as an indication of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA, as W&T calculates it, may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA measures reported by other companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use.

    The Company defines Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA (defined above), less capital expenditures, P&A costs and net interest expense (all on an accrual basis). For this purpose, the Company’s definition of capital expenditures includes costs incurred related to oil and natural gas properties (such as drilling and infrastructure costs and the lease maintenance costs) and equipment but excludes acquisition costs of oil and gas properties from third parties that are not included in the Company’s capital expenditures guidance provided to investors. Company management believes that Free Cash Flow is an important financial performance measure for use in evaluating the performance and efficiency of its current operating activities after the impact of accrued capital expenditures, P&A costs and net interest expense and without being impacted by items such as changes associated with working capital, which can vary substantially from one period to another. There is no commonly accepted definition of Free Cash Flow within the industry. Accordingly, Free Cash Flow, as defined and calculated by the Company, may not be comparable to Free Cash Flow or other similarly named non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. While the Company includes net interest expense in the calculation of Free Cash Flow, other mandatory debt service requirements of future payments of principal at maturity (if such debt is not refinanced) are excluded from the calculation of Free Cash Flow. These and other non-discretionary expenditures that are not deducted from Free Cash Flow would reduce cash available for other uses.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s net (loss) income, a GAAP measure, to Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow, as such terms are defined by the Company:

                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,      September 30,    December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
        2024       2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (in thousands)
        (Unaudited)
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
    Interest expense, net     10,226       9,992       9,729       40,454       44,689  
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (1,849 )     (4,545 )     1,932       (9,985 )     18,345  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     38,208       34,206       33,658       143,025       114,677  
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     8,157       7,848       7,377       32,374       29,018  
    Unrealized commodity derivative gain, net     (497 )     (1,829 )     (14,785 )     (710 )     (58,846 )
    Allowance for credit losses     118       10       28       558       37  
    Non-cash incentive compensation     3,818       1,956       3,124       10,192       10,383  
    Non-recurring legal and IT-related costs     860       (22 )     413       5,798       3,044  
    Non-ARO P&A costs     (2,763 )     16,627       4,137       20,925       6,246  
    Other     (1,302 )     (633 )     (240 )     (1,845 )     31  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 31,614     $ 26,689     $ 44,930     $ 153,641     $ 183,222  
                                   
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis (1)   $ (12,228 )   $ (4,461 )   $ (10,319 )   $ (28,626 )   $ (41,278 )
    Asset retirement obligation settlements     (19,348 )     (8,347 )     (9,052 )     (39,692 )     (33,970 )
    Interest expense, net     (10,226 )     (9,992 )     (9,729 )     (40,454 )     (44,689 )
    Free Cash Flow   $ (10,188 )   $ 3,889     $ 15,830     $ 44,869     $ 63,285  

    (1) A reconciliation of the adjustment used to calculate Free Cash Flow to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements is included below:

                                   
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis reconciliation                              
    Investment in oil and natural gas properties and equipment   $ (14,124 )   $ (9,577 )   $ (12,139 )   $ (37,357 )   $ (41,813 )
    Less: acquisition related expenditures included in investment in oil and natural gas properties and equipment           (4,929 )           (4,929 )      
    Less: changes in operating assets and liabilities associated with investing activities     (1,896 )     (187 )     (1,820 )     (3,802 )     (535 )
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis   $ (12,228 )   $ (4,461 )   $ (10,319 )   $ (28,626 )   $ (41,278 )

    The following table presents a reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities, a GAAP measure, to Free Cash Flow, as defined by the Company:

                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
        2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (in thousands)
        (Unaudited)
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   $ (4,317 )   $ 14,768     $ 35,664     $ 59,539     $ 115,326  
    Allowance for credit losses     118       10       28       558       37  
    Amortization of debt items and other items     (1,117 )     (1,109 )     (1,266 )     (4,562 )     (6,980 )
    Non-recurring legal and IT-related costs     860       (22 )     413       5,798       3,044  
    Current tax (benefit) expense (1)     92             (1,906 )     92       (140 )
    Change in derivatives (payable) receivable (1)     (972 )     162       1,223       (1,648 )     4,845  
    Non-ARO P&A costs     (2,763 )     16,627       4,137       20,925       6,246  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding asset retirement obligation settlements     11,441       (21,453 )     (11,904 )     (5,362 )     (17,846 )
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis     (12,228 )     (4,461 )     (10,319 )     (28,626 )     (41,278 )
    Other     (1,302 )     (633 )     (240 )     (1,845 )     31  
    Free Cash Flow   $ (10,188 )   $ 3,889     $ 15,830     $ 44,869     $ 63,285  

    (1) A reconciliation of the adjustments used to calculate Free Cash Flow to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements is included below:

                                   
    Current tax (benefit) expense:                              
    Income tax (benefit) expense   $ (1,849 )   $ (4,545 )   $ 1,932     $ (9,985 )   $ 18,345  
    Less: Deferred income (benefit) taxes     (1,941 )     (4,545 )     3,838       (10,077 )     18,485  
    Current tax (benefit) expense   $ 92     $     $ (1,906 )   $ 92     $ (140 )
                                   
    Changes in derivatives receivable (payable)                              
    Derivatives (payable) receivable, end of period   $ (1,377 )   $ (405 )   $ 271     $ (1,377 )   $ 271  
    Derivatives payable (receivable), beginning of period     405       567       952       (271 )     4,574  
    Change in derivatives (payable) receivable   $ (972 )   $ 162     $ 1,223     $ (1,648 )   $ 4,845  


    W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Non-GAAP Information

    Reconciliation of PV-10 to Standardized Measure

    The Company also discloses PV-10, which is not a financial measure defined under GAAP. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for proved reserves calculated using SEC pricing. Company management believes that the non-GAAP financial measure of PV-10 is relevant and useful for evaluating the relative monetary significance of oil and natural gas properties. PV-10 is also used internally when assessing the potential return on investment related to oil and natural gas properties and in evaluating acquisition opportunities. Company management believes that the use of PV-10 is valuable because there are many unique factors that can impact an individual company when estimating the amount of future income taxes to be paid. Additionally, Company management believes that the presentation of PV-10 provides useful information to investors because it is widely used by professional analysts and sophisticated investors in evaluating oil and natural gas companies. PV-10 is not a measure of financial or operating performance under GAAP, nor is it intended to represent the current market value of the Company’s estimated oil and natural gas reserves. PV-10 should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows as defined under GAAP. Investors should not assume that PV-10 of the Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves represents a current market value of the Company’s estimated oil and natural gas reserves.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to the Company’s estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves, a GAAP measure, to PV-10, as defined by the Company.

                 
           December 31, 
        2024     2023  
    PV-10   $ 1,229.5     $ 1,080.9  
    Future income taxes, discounted at 10%     (154.8 )     (151.0 )
    PV-10 before ARO     1,074.7       929.9  
    Present value of estimated ARO, discounted at 10%     (334.6 )     (246.7 )
    Standardized measure   $ 740.1     $ 683.2  
         
    CONTACT: Al Petrie Sameer Parasnis
      Investor Relations Coordinator Executive VP and CFO
      investorrelations@wtoffshore.com sparasnis@wtoffshore.com
      713-297-8024 713-513-8654

    Source: W&T Offshore, Inc.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tara McGee Joins ACP as Senior Director, Federal Affairs

    Source: American Clean Power Association (ACP)

    Headline: Tara McGee Joins ACP as Senior Director, Federal Affairs

    WASHINGTON, D.C., March 3, 2025 – The American Clean Power Association (ACP) today announced that Tara McGee has joined the organization as Senior Director of Federal Affairs for tax and trade, bringing several years of legislative experience and skill.
    In her new role, McGee will help lead ACP’s federal legislative engagement, working closely with policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to advance policies that support the clean energy economy.
    “We are thrilled to welcome Tara to ACP’s Federal Affairs team,” said Frank Macchiarola, ACP’s Chief Advocacy Officer. “With more than a decade of experience on Capitol Hill, Tara has built a reputation as a strategic leader who fosters policy solutions and drives impactful legislation. Her deep experience in tax and trade, and relationships with policymakers will be instrumental in advancing our agenda.”
    McGee most recently served as Tax and Trade Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV), where she played a key role in advancing economic policies that support job creation, regulatory reform, and business growth. Previous roles include serving in legislative roles for U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (MS), U.S. Senator John Cornyn (TX) during his tenure as Senate Republican Whip, and Congressman Randy Neugebauer (TX-19). She is also an active member of the Tax Coalition.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Malaysia: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    Malaysia’s economic performance has significantly improved in 2024, supported by strong domestic and external demand. Disinflation is taking hold and external pressures have eased. The favorable economic conditions provide a window of opportunity to build macroeconomic policy buffers and accelerate structural reforms, especially as risks to growth are tilted to the downside amid an uncertain global outlook. Risks to the inflation outlook are tilted to the upside, including from global commodity price shocks and potential wage pressures.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Malaysia

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    March 3, 2025

    Washington, DC: On February 25, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Malaysia and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting on a lapse-of-time basis.[2]

    Malaysia’s economic performance has improved significantly in 2024. The economy grew by 5.2 percent (y/y) in the first three quarters of 2024, supported by strong private consumption, buoyant investment, improvements in external demand for electrical and electronic products, and a recovery in tourism. Labor market conditions have been strong, with the unemployment rate low at 3.2 percent in 2024Q3. Meanwhile, inflation has been stable around 2 percent, and the ringgit appreciated against the U.S. dollar by 2.6 percent in 2024.

    Current policies are focused on rebuilding fiscal buffers, augmenting growth potential, and strengthening social protection while preserving macroeconomic and financial stability. The landmark Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), enacted in 2023, aims to strengthen fiscal management and governance. Fiscal consolidation continued in 2024, with the overall fiscal deficit estimated to have declined from 5.0 percent of GDP in 2023 to the budget target of 4.3 percent of GDP in 2024, supported by subsidy reforms and strengthening of the sales and service tax. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has kept the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged at 3.0 percent since May 2023. Under the Economy MADANI Framework, the authorities have developed a set of concerted policy frameworks that focus on increasing incomes, addressing climate change, promoting digitalization, and enhancing governance.

    Executive Board Assessment

    In concluding the Article IV consultation with Malaysia, Executive Directors endorsed the staff’s appraisal as follows:

    Malaysia’s favorable economic conditions provide a window of opportunity to build macroeconomic policy buffers and accelerate structural reforms. Malaysia’s strong growth momentum is expected to be sustained in the near term, with growth projected at 4.7 percent in 2025. Inflation, which eased to 1.8 percent in 2024, is projected to increase to 2.6 percent in 2025 on account of the anticipated implementation of gasoline subsidy reforms, before moderating to 2.3 percent in 2026. Malaysia’s external position in 2024 is preliminarily assessed to be stronger than the level implied by medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies.

    Risks to growth, mostly external, are tilted to the downside, while inflation risks are tilted to the upside. Downside external risks include deepening geoeconomic fragmentation, a growth slowdown in major trading partners, and intensification of geopolitical conflicts, while upside growth risks include faster implementation of investment projects. The upside risks to the inflation outlook stem from global commodity price shocks and potential wage pressures from increases in minimum wage and civil servants’ pay.

    Fiscal consolidation should continue to rebuild buffers and achieve the medium-term targets set under the FRA. Staff recommends achieving a small structural primary balance by 2027. Building on successful subsidy reforms, including for electricity and diesel, staff recommends gradually phasing out remaining fuel subsidies. Revenue mobilization efforts toward a more broad-based and efficient tax system are warranted. Reintroducing the GST could help achieve this goal. The associated impact of fiscal reforms on vulnerable households should be mitigated by well-targeted cash transfers. Staff welcomes the historic enactment of the FRA and recommends its swift and thorough implementation.

    The current neutral monetary policy stance is appropriate. Going forward, monetary policy should remain data dependent. BNM should stand ready to tighten monetary policy if upside inflation risks materialize. Maintaining exchange rate flexibility is essential.

    Financial systemic risks appear contained, and the financial sector remains sound. Banks’ capital and liquidity positions are robust. Credit growth, corporate and household balance sheets, and real estate markets do not pose systemic risks at this juncture. Continued vigilance is warranted against pockets of more highly leveraged borrowers, interlinkages between banks and non-bank financial institutions, and climate and cyber risks—although spillover risks from these areas remain contained. Given the strong growth and accommodative financial conditions, pre-emptive broadening of the macroprudential policy toolkit could be considered.

    Staff encourages swift implementation of the structural reform initiatives to enhance productivity and inclusive growth. The ongoing development of the PADU digital registry can help strengthen social safety nets and public service delivery. Investment incentives to promote high-growth and high-value industries should be well-targeted and ring-fenced. Further efforts are warranted toward Malaysia’s transition to net-zero emissions and readiness for Artificial Intelligence. Staff welcomes the authorities’ efforts to strengthen governance and the anti-corruption framework.

    Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2020–30

    Nominal GDP (2023): US$399.7 billion

         

     Population (2023): 33.4 million

               

    GDP per capita (2023, current prices): US$11,967

         

     Poverty rate (2019, national poverty line): 0.2 percent

           

    Unemployment rate (2023, period average):  3.4 percent

         

     Adult literacy rate (2019): 95.0 percent

             
                             

    Main domestic goods exports (share of total domestic exports, 2023): Machinery and Transport Equipment (45.6 percent), Manufactured Goods and Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles (19.0 percent), and Mineral Fuels, Lubricants etc. (16.5 percent).

                 
           
               

    Proj.

       

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    1/

                             

    Real GDP (percent change)

     

    -5.5

    3.3

    8.9

    3.6

    5.0

    4.7

    4.4

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    Total domestic demand

     

    -4.8

    3.8

    9.5

    4.7

    6.1

    4.7

    4.0

    3.6

    3.6

    3.6

    3.4

    Private consumption

     

    -3.9

    1.8

    11.3

    4.7

    5.3

    4.5

    3.9

    3.4

    3.9

    3.8

    3.7

    Public consumption

     

    4.1

    5.8

    5.1

    3.3

    4.3

    3.5

    2.7

    2.4

    2.3

    2.3

    2.3

    Private investment

     

    -11.9

    2.8

    7.2

    4.6

    12.0

    6.0

    5.1

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    Public gross fixed capital formation

     

    -21.2

    -11.0

    5.3

    8.6

    11.2

    4.0

    2.8

    2.3

    2.1

    2.0

    2.1

    Net exports (contribution to growth, percentage points)

     

    -1.0

    -0.3

    -0.1

    -0.9

    -0.8

    0.2

    0.5

    0.6

    0.5

    0.6

    0.7

                             

    Output gap (in percent)

     

    -4.0

    -1.1

    2.5

    1.3

    1.1

    0.7

    0.4

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

                             

    Saving and investment (in percent of GDP)

                           

    Gross domestic investment

     

    19.7

    22.1

    23.6

    22.5

    22.5

    22.5

    22.6

    22.6

    22.5

    22.5

    22.5

    Gross national saving

     

    23.8

    26.0

    26.8

    24.0

    24.5

    24.7

    25.0

    25.3

    25.4

    25.5

    25.5

                             

    Fiscal sector (in percent of GDP) 2/

                           

    Federal government overall balance

     

    -6.2

    -6.4

    -5.5

    -5.0

    -4.3

    -3.8

    -3.8

    -3.8

    -3.8

    -3.8

    -3.8

    Revenue

     

    15.9

    15.1

    16.4

    17.3

    16.5

    16.2

    15.4

    15.1

    14.8

    14.6

    14.4

    Expenditure and net lending

     

    22.0

    21.5

    22.0

    22.3

    20.8

    20.0

    19.2

    18.9

    18.6

    18.4

    18.2

    Federal government non-oil primary balance

     

    -7.5

    -6.7

    -7.8

    -6.6

    -4.9

    -4.1

    -3.7

    -3.4

    -3.0

    -2.8

    -2.6

    Consolidated public sector overall balance 3/

     

    -7.3

    -8.3

    -6.0

    -5.9

    -8.4

    -6.7

    -6.8

    -6.9

    -6.8

    -6.9

    -6.9

    General government debt 3/

     

    67.7

    69.2

    65.5

    69.7

    69.6

    68.9

    68.7

    69.1

    69.3

    69.6

    69.8

    Of which: federal government debt

     

    62.0

    63.3

    60.2

    64.3

    64.4

    63.7

    63.5

    63.8

    64.1

    64.3

    64.5

                             
                             

    Inflation and unemployment (in percent)

                           

    CPI inflation, annual average

     

    -1.2

    2.5

    3.4

    2.5

    1.8

    2.6

    2.3

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    CPI inflation, end of period

     

    -1.4

    3.2

    3.8

    1.5

    1.7

    3.8

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    CPI inflation (excluding food and energy), annual average

     

    1.1

    0.7

    3.0

    3.0

    1.8

    2.4

    2.2

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    CPI inflation (excluding food and energy), end of period

     

    0.7

    1.1

    4.1

    1.9

    1.6

    3.8

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    Unemployment rate

     

    4.5

    4.6

    3.9

    3.4

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

                             
                             

    Macrofinancial variables (end of period)

                           

    Broad money (percentage change) 4/

     

    4.9

    5.6

    4.0

    5.8

    7.1

    7.6

    6.7

    5.9

    5.9

    5.9

    5.9

    Credit to private sector (percentage change) 4/

     

    4.0

    3.8

    3.0

    5.2

    6.2

    6.1

    6.0

    5.9

    5.9

    5.9

    5.9

    Credit-to-GDP ratio (in percent) 5/ 6/

     

    144.8

    137.7

    122.4

    126.7

    125.7

    123.9

    123.1

    123.1

    123.1

    123.1

    123.1

    Overnight policy rate (in percent)

     

    1.75

    1.75

    2.75

    3.00

    Three-month interbank rate (in percent)

     

    1.9

    2.0

    3.6

    3.7

    Nonfinancial corporate sector debt (in percent of GDP) 7/

     

    109.7

    109.0

    97.5

    101.2

    Nonfinancial corporate sector debt issuance (in percent of GDP)

     

    2.3

    2.6

    2.4

    2.5

    Household debt (in percent of GDP) 7/

     

    93.1

    88.9

    80.9

    84.2

    Household financial assets (in percent of GDP) 7/

     

    204.5

    191.9

    167.3

    174.3

    House prices (percentage change)

     

    1.2

    1.9

    3.9

    3.8

                             
                             

    Exchange rates (period average)

                           

    Malaysian ringgit/U.S. dollar

     

    4.19

    4.14

    4.40

    4.56

    Real effective exchange rate (percentage change)

     

    -3.5

    -1.3

    -1.4

    -2.5

                             
                             

    Balance of payments (in billions of U.S. dollars) 5/

                           

    Current account balance

     

    14.1

    14.5

    13.0

    6.2

    8.7

    10.2

    12.0

    14.3

    16.1

    17.6

    19.4

    (In percent of GDP)

     

    4.2

    3.9

    3.2

    1.5

    2.0

    2.2

    2.4

    2.7

    2.9

    3.0

    3.1

    Goods balance

     

    32.7

    42.9

    42.6

    29.9

    26.3

    29.3

    31.8

    33.9

    36.5

    39.2

    43.7

    Services balance

     

    -11.2

    -15.8

    -13.2

    -9.5

    -4.4

    -4.1

    -3.1

    -1.7

    -1.3

    -1.0

    -1.5

    Income balance

     

    -7.4

    -12.5

    -16.3

    -14.2

    -13.2

    -14.9

    -16.7

    -17.9

    -19.2

    -20.6

    -22.8

    Capital and financial account balance

     

    -18.5

    3.8

    1.8

    -3.4

    -6.0

    0.2

    -3.0

    -5.0

    -6.2

    -7.1

    -8.2

    Of which: Direct investment

     

    0.7

    7.5

    2.9

    0.0

    -1.3

    2.0

    2.1

    2.2

    2.4

    2.5

    2.6

    Errors and omissions

     

    -0.1

    -7.3

    -2.7

    -7.2

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Overall balance

     

    -4.6

    11.0

    12.1

    -4.5

    2.7

    10.4

    9.0

    9.3

    9.9

    10.6

    11.2

                             

    Gross official reserves (US$ billions) 5/

     

    107.6

    116.9

    114.7

    113.5

    116.2

    126.6

    135.6

    144.9

    154.8

    165.4

    176.6

    (In months of following year’s imports of goods and nonfactor services)

     

    5.5

    4.9

    5.4

    4.6

    4.4

    4.6

    4.7

    4.8

    4.9

    4.9

    5.0

    (In percent of short-term debt by original maturity)

     

    117.6

    120.8

    104.9

    100.3

    99.4

    98.3

    97.2

    97.0

    97.3

    97.9

    98.9

    (In percent of short-term debt by remaining maturity)

     

    91.9

    93.5

    84.6

    80.7

    78.7

    79.4

    79.0

    79.2

    79.7

    80.5

    81.5

    Total external debt (in billions of U.S. dollars) 5/

     

    238.8

    258.7

    259.6

    270.6

    284.6

    305.1

    324.4

    342.8

    361.1

    379.2

    397.2

    (In percent of GDP)

     

    70.8

    69.3

    63.8

    67.8

    65.1

    65.3

    65.1

    64.9

    64.4

    63.8

    63.0

    Of which: short-term (in percent of total, original maturity)

     

    38.3

    37.4

    42.1

    41.8

    41.1

    42.2

    43.0

    43.6

    44.1

    44.6

    44.9

      short-term (in percent of total, remaining maturity)

     

    49.1

    48.3

    52.2

    51.9

    51.9

    52.3

    52.9

    53.4

    53.8

    54.2

    54.5

    Debt service ratio 5/

                           

    (In percent of exports of goods and services) 8/

     

    13.6

    10.5

    9.7

    11.8

    12.1

    12.1

    10.1

    9.8

    9.7

    9.6

    9.5

    (In percent of exports of goods and nonfactor services)

     

    14.4

    11.4

    10.3

    12.7

    12.9

    12.9

    10.7

    10.4

    10.3

    10.2

    10.0

                             
                             

    Memorandum items:

                           

    Nominal GDP (in billions of ringgit)

     

    1,418

    1,549

    1,794

    1,823

    1,952

    2,099

    2,241

    2,373

    2,512

    2,660

    2,817

                             

    Sources: Data provided by the authorities; CEIC Data; World Bank; UNESCO; and IMF, Integrated Monetary Database, and staff estimates.

                             

    1/ Data used in this report for staff analyses are as of January 29, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
    2/ Cash basis.
    3/ Consolidated public sector includes general government and nonfinancial public enterprises (NFPEs). General government includes federal government, state and local governments, and statutory bodies.
    4/ Based on data provided by the authorities, but follows compilation methodology used in IMF’s Integrated Monetary Database. Credit to private sector in 2018 onwards includes data for a newly licensed commercial bank from April 2018. The impact of this bank is excluded in the calculation of credit gap.
    5/ IMF staff estimates. U.S. dollar values are estimated using official data published in national currency.                                                                                                                         
    6/ Based on a broader measure of liquidity. Credit gap is estimated on quarterly data from 2000, using one-sided Hodrick-Prescott filter with a large parameter.
    7/ Revisions in historical data reflect the change in base year for nominal GDP (from 2010=100 to 2015=100).
    8/ Includes receipts under the primary income account.

                               

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales to equip U.S. Air Force F16 with Helmet Mounted Display

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales to equip U.S. Air Force F16 with Helmet Mounted Display

    • Thales subsidiary, Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI), has been awarded a contract for Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) retrofit kits to support U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-16 HMD modernization. ​ ​
    • The Scorpion HMD kits provide a modern digital platform allowing for enhanced pilot situational awareness with full color symbology and a single display for both day and night operations. The Scorpion HMD kits will replace the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) and allow the USAF a common Scorpion HMD solution across Air Force, Air National Guard and USAF Reserve F-16s.
    • Thales Visionix, a division of Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI), a world leader in the development and integration of advanced optics, motion tracking and symbology for fixed and rotary wing HMDs, will manage the contract.

    Thales subsidiary, Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI), has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force for Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) retrofit kits to enhance U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-16 pilot visualization and situational awareness. The award supports modernization of HMDs for active duty F-16 block 40 and 50 aircraft by Thales Visionix, a division of Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI).

    This contact, issued by the USAF utilizing the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), is the first of several anticipated delivery orders to modernize the USAF fleet of F-16s with more interoperable technology. The contract arrangement also allows a procurement option for any F-16 NATO partner to modernize with Scorpion kit capability. Initial kits are anticipated to be delivered to the USAF in early ​ 2025.

    The Scorpion HMD kits will replace the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) and allow the USAF a standardized Scorpion HMD solution across Air Force, Air National Guard and USAF Reserve F-16s. Scorpion provides a modern digital platform allowing for enhanced pilot situational awareness with full color symbology and a single display for both day and night operations. Tracking accuracy is also markedly improved, as Scorpion is baselined with Visionix’s precision HObIT (Hybrid Optically based Inertial Tracker) tracker. The HObIT system provides precise tracking through a fusion of inertial-optical technology.

    “Modernization efforts around helmet-mounted displays for aircraft are essential to pilots, as they provide critical real-time information directly in their line of sight, enhancing situational awareness, decision-making, and operational efficiency, while reducing the need to divert attention from the aircraft’s instruments and environment,” said Jim Geraghty, Vice President of Visionix, Thales. “Already supporting F-16 Air National Guard pilots with superior awareness and tracking capability, Scorpion kits will now enhance holistic USAF air dominance.”

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital.

    It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

    The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

    Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

    About Thales in the USA

    In the United States, Thales has conducted significant research and development, manufacturing, and service capabilities for more than 130 years.

    Today, Thales has 37 locations around the U.S., employing nearly 5,000 people. Working closely with U.S. customers and local partners, Thales is able to meet the most complex requirements for every operating environment.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: EDGE and Thales strengthen strategic cooperation with MoU for advanced radio and IFF solutions

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: EDGE and Thales strengthen strategic cooperation with MoU for advanced radio and IFF solutions

    On the occasion of IDEX-NAVDEX 2025, EARTH, an entity within EDGE, an advanced technology group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and Thales, a global high technology and defence leader, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in radio communications, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) solutions, and associated services. This agreement will support the UAE’s ambition to enhance the operational capabilities of its armed forces, particularly in equipping UAVs with advanced military communication technologies.

    EARTH is a world-class provider of engineering, systems integration, and procurement services to defence, national security and public safety clients in the UAE and internationally. Thanks to its expertise, EARTH has been elected by the UAE Air Force Air Defence as the system integrator to equip various airborne platforms with Thales radios and IFF.

    As part of this cooperation, Thales will provide military radios and advanced IFF transponders to EARTH, as system integrator on UAVs. The IFF solution, a miniature and lightweight transponder, is specifically designed for UAVs, helicopters, and transport platforms. It offers future-proof capabilities, including the potential integration of GPS and detect & avoid features, further strengthening mission-critical situational awareness.

    This agreement reflects Thales’s strategic ambitions in the UAE, reinforcing its long-standing presence as a trusted partner in defence, aerospace, digital, and cybersecurity. With 1,700 employees in the region, including 550 in the UAE, Thales has been developing sovereign solutions, investing in local talent, and fostering industrial partnerships to support the country’s national vision.

    EDGE Group’s strategic collaboration with Thales reflects our unwavering commitment to equipping the UAE’s armed forces with the world’s most reliable military communication technologies. By integrating Thales’ cutting-edge radios and IFF solutions into airborne platforms, we are enhancing mission-critical capabilities while reinforcing local expertise and innovation in our defence systems integration,” said Hazzaa Al Alabdouli, CEO of EARTH.

    “Our partnership with EARTH is a testament to our commitment to developing cutting-edge defence technologies and strengthening the UAE’s defence ecosystem. By localising expertise and co-developing advanced solutions, Thales is committed to helping build a more resilient and self-sufficient defence industry,” said Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice-President, Thales Secure Communications & Information Systems.

    Present in the UAE for more than five decades, Thales has played a key role in equipping land, sea, air, and space platforms with innovative electronic systems, including radars, sensors, sonars, communication systems, and digital solutions.

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital.

    It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

    The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

    Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

    About EDGE

    Launched in November 2019, the UAE’s EDGE is one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

    With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security.

    For more information, visit edgegroup.ae

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Disrupting a global cybercrime network abusing generative AI

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Disrupting a global cybercrime network abusing generative AI

    In an amended complaint to recent civil litigation, Microsoft is naming the primary developers of malicious tools designed to bypass the guardrails of generative AI services, including Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service. We are pursuing this legal action now against identified defendants to stop their conduct, to continue to dismantle their illicit operation, and to deter others intent on weaponizing our AI technology.

    The individuals named are: (1) Arian Yadegarnia aka “Fiz” of Iran, (2) Alan Krysiak aka “Drago” of United Kingdom, (3) Ricky Yuen aka “cg-dot” of Hong Kong, China, and (4) Phát Phùng Tấn aka “Asakuri” of Vietnam. These actors are at the center of a global cybercrime network Microsoft tracks as Storm-2139. Members of Storm-2139 exploited exposed customer credentials scraped from public sources to unlawfully access accounts with certain generative AI services. They then altered the capabilities of these services and resold access to other malicious actors, providing detailed instructions on how to generate harmful and illicit content, including non-consensual intimate images of celebrities and other sexually explicit content.

    This activity is prohibited under the terms of use for our generative AI services and required deliberate efforts to bypass our safeguards. We are not naming specific celebrities to keep their identities private and have excluded synthetic imagery and prompts from our filings to prevent the further circulation of harmful content.

    Storm-2139: A global network of creators, providers and end users.

    In December 2024, Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Virginia alleging various causes of action against 10 unidentified “John Does” participating in activities that violate U.S. law and Microsoft’s Acceptable Use Policy and Code of Conduct. Through this initial filing, we were able to gather more information about the operations of the criminal enterprise.  

    Storm-2139 is organized into three main categories: creators, providers, and users. Creators developed the illicit tools that enabled the abuse of AI generated services. Providers then modified and supplied these tools to end users often with varying tiers of service and payment. Finally, users then used these tools to generate violating synthetic content, often centered around celebrities and sexual imagery.  

    Below is a visual representation of Storm-2139, which displays internet aliases uncovered as part of our investigation as well as the countries in which we believe the associated personas are located.    

    Storm-2139’s organizational structure.
    Screenshot of “Fiz’s” LinkedIn profile

    Through its ongoing investigation, Microsoft has identified several of the above-listed personas, including, but not limited to, the four named defendants. While we have identified two actors located in the United States—specifically, in Illinois and Florida—those identities remain undisclosed to avoid interfering with potential criminal investigations. Microsoft is preparing criminal referrals to United States and foreign law enforcement representatives. 

    Cybercriminals react to Microsoft’s website seizure and court filing.

    As part of our initial filing, the Court issued a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction enabling Microsoft to seize a website instrumental to the criminal operation, effectively disrupting the group’s ability to operationalize their services. The seizure of this website and subsequent unsealing of the legal filings in January generated an immediate reaction from actors, in some cases causing group members to turn on and point fingers at one another. We observed chatter about the lawsuit on the group’s monitored communication channels, speculating on the identities of the “John Does” and potential consequences.  

    Screenshot of online chatter discussing “Fiz’s” real name.

    In these channels, certain members also “doxed” Microsoft’s counsel of record, posting their names, personal information, and in some instances photographs. Doxing can result in real-world harm, ranging from identity theft to harassment  

    Screenshot from post on online channels providing information about the case lawyers.

    As a result, Microsoft’s counsel received a variety of emails, including several from suspected members of Storm-2139 attempting to cast blame on other members of the operation.  

    Screenshots of emails received by counsel of record.

    This reaction underscores the impact of Microsoft’s legal actions and demonstrates how these measures can effectively disrupt a cybercriminal network by seizing infrastructure and create a powerful deterrent impact among its members. 

    Continuing our commitment to combatting the abuse of generative AI.

    We take the misuse of AI very seriously, recognizing the serious and lasting impacts of abusive imagery for victims. Microsoft remains committed to protecting users by embedding robust AI guardrails and safeguarding our services from illegal and harmful content. Last year, we committed to continuing to innovate on new ways to keep users safe by outlining a comprehensive approach to combat abusive AI-generated content. We published a whitepaper with recommendations for U.S. policymakers on modernizing criminal law to equip law enforcement with the tools necessary to bring bad actors to justice. We also provided an update on our approach to intimate image abuse, detailing the steps we take to protect our services from such harm, whether synthetic or otherwise. 

    As we’ve said before, no disruption is complete in one day. Going after malicious actors requires persistence and ongoing vigilance. By unmasking these individuals and shining a light on their malicious activities, Microsoft aims to set a precedent in the fight against AI technology misuse.  

    Tags: AI, cybercrime, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit, Responsible AI

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Leading the charge to transform healthcare with advanced AI 

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Leading the charge to transform healthcare with advanced AI 

    In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, AI is revolutionizing patient care by enabling more personalized experiences, optimizing vast medical data management, and improving patient outcomes. As challenges such as rising patient expectations, complex data handling, and regulatory requirements intensify, more advanced solutions have become essential. 

    Microsoft is at the forefront of this transformation, dedicated to developing and implementing responsible AI technologies. By fostering innovation and collaboration through Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, we continue to reinforce how responsible AI can enhance healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for patients worldwide. Building on this commitment, we’re excited to introduce new features in our AI healthcare portfolio that will further drive industry efficiencies, and better patient outcomes. 

    Explore Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare

    Advanced AI models and integrations for healthcare 

    As medical technology advances, improvements in medical imaging are critical for better diagnosis of disease and improved patient care. In 2024, we announced the launch of healthcare AI models, a collection of cutting-edge multimodal medical imaging foundation models available in Azure AI Foundry. Designed for precise image segmentation, MedImageParse 2D model covers many imaging modalities, including x-rays, CTs, MRIs, ultrasounds, dermatology images, and pathology slides. It can be fine-tuned for specific applications such as tumor segmentation or organ delineation, allowing developers to test and validate the ability to leverage AI for highly targeted cancer and other disease detection, diagnostics, and treatment planning.  

    Today, we’re excited to share the MedImageParse model is now optimized for 3D medical imaging data. MedImageParse 3D can handle complex 3D datasets produced by advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, providing a more comprehensive view into patients’ conditions. The enhanced ability to visualize and interpret anatomical abnormalities and structures provides for much more accurate diagnosis that may have been missed by 2D analysis. MedImageParse can also support healthcare researchers with comprehensive image analysis and a more streamlined workflow for radiologists, improving overall efficiency and reducing human error. MedImageParse 3D can soon be found in the Azure AI Foundry model catalog.  

    In partnership with Microsoft Research, the Microsoft Health and Life Sciences model catalog will also feature several new and updated multimodal medical foundation models including TamGen for protein design, Hist-ai for pathology, and ECG-FM for electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis. 

    Leveraging multimodal AI for improved health insights 

    Today, we are excited to announce new functionality in healthcare data solutions that allows customers to orchestrate multimodal AI insights directly into Microsoft Fabric. Now in public preview, orchestrating multiple modalities (e.g., text, image, audio, video, and other forms of sensory input) of health data within Fabric allows healthcare organizations to generate a robust set of insights that help faster decision-making and improved patient outcomes. 

    Customers can leverage Fabric to orchestrate multimodal AI insights by connecting their healthcare data to a variety of AI services and models. These AI-generated insights are then integrated back into the healthcare data estate to enable various use cases like creating targeted outreach and care plans by enriching clinical conversations with social determinants of health (SDOH) and sentiments. Another possible scenario is deriving quick insights and disease progression trends for clinical research by creating image segmentations and combining it with imaging metadata through Microsoft Power BI reports. 

    The orchestration capability includes five out-of-the-box examples to help customers connect and integrate to AI models: 

    1. Text analytics for health in Azure AI Language to extract medical entities from unstructured data such as diagnoses and medications, and the relations between entities.  
    1. MedImageInsight AI model in Azure AI Foundry to generate medical image embeddings from imaging data.  
    1. MedImageParse AI model in Azure AI Foundry enables segmentation, detection, and recognition from imaging data across numerous object types and imaging modalities.  
    1. Sentiment analysis with Azure OpenAI Service to score sentiment for categories such as doctors’ services, staff services, facilities, and cost from conversational data. 
    1. SDOH extraction with Azure OpenAI to extract social determinants of health data from conversational data based on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ defined categories. 

    To further enhance data accessibility, we’re pleased to share the general availability of additional functionality that enhances the existing capabilities within our healthcare data solutions offering. These include:   

    • Care management analytics: By using unified healthcare data and care management analytical templates, healthcare providers can enhance patient care by identifying high-risk individuals, optimizing treatment plans, and improving care coordination. This empowers organizations to deliver personalized, efficient, and proactive care.  
    • Patient outreach analytics: Healthcare providers communicate with their patients more effectively by orchestrating personalized journeys across patient touchpoints. This capability simplifies the process by bringing data from different sources into Fabric, transforming it into an industry data model, and serving it to a Power BI report. 
    • Dragon Copilot ambient AI integration: Dragon Copilot’s AI-powered, voice-enabled capabilities reduce the administrative workload of clinicians by automatically documenting patient encounters. With integration into Fabric, this new capability brings conversational data into Fabric OneLake. This integration enables customers to access, store, and manage the raw data generated. The data is stored in a lakehouse, organized in a hierarchical structure by date, which lets customers view each file and its content. When used in conjunction with healthcare data solutions, customers can combine their conversational data with their clinical data to learn more from patient interactions. 

    “There is a lot of unrealized value in patient physician interactions. OSUMC is aiming to leverage conversational data along with multimodal AI insights in healthcare data solutions such as social determinants of health extraction to improve patient outcomes.”  

    —Ravi Dyta, Director of IT at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

    Achieve more with AI you can trust

    This week’s Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare announcements underscore our commitment to transforming healthcare through advanced AI models and data integrations. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, we’re empowering healthcare organizations to deliver better care, help improve patient outcomes, and drive innovation in the industry. 

    Connect with us in the Microsoft booth #2221 at HIMSS 2025 to immerse yourself in the latest advancements in data and AI from Microsoft and our partners.  

    Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare

    Transform how your organization uses AI


    Medical device disclaimer: Microsoft products and services (1) are not designed, intended or made available as a medical device, and (2) are not designed or intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or judgment and should not be used to replace or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or judgment. Customers/partners are responsible for ensuring solutions comply with applicable laws and regulations.  

    Generative AI does not always provide accurate or complete information. AI outputs do not reflect the opinions of Microsoft. Customers/partners will need to thoroughly test and evaluate whether an AI tool is fit for the intended use and identify and mitigate any risks to end users associated with its use. Customers/partners should thoroughly review the product documentation for each tool. 

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft partners shaping the future of healthcare with Microsoft Dragon Copilot

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft partners shaping the future of healthcare with Microsoft Dragon Copilot

    Today, Microsoft is introducing Microsoft Dragon Copilot, the first AI assistant for clinical workflow that brings together proven natural language voice dictation and ambient listening capabilities with fine-tuned generative AI and healthcare-adapted safeguards. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot enables healthcare partners and their customers to unlock new levels of efficiency and care by streamlining documentation, surfacing pertinent information, and automating tasks so clinicians can focus more on their patients and themselves.

    Dragon Copilot Partner Resources

    Dragon Copilot is bolstered by our collaboration with healthcare industry experts across our extensive global ecosystem of trusted partners. We work with leading independent software vendors (ISVs), system integrators (SIs), and cloud service providers (CSPs) across the globe to help our customers drive better healthcare outcomes.

    Unlock new AI use cases with Dragon Copilot

    Partnering with Microsoft allows organizations to tap into Dragon Copilot to accelerate innovation and unlock new avenues for future business growth through the Microsoft commercial marketplace.

    Dragon Copilot’s trusted AI models are trained on healthcare data, providing a host of AI solution possibilities. Partners can build even stronger healthcare solutions and offerings by leveraging a comprehensive end-to-end toolchain—including Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Copilot Studio, and Microsoft Azure AI Foundry. Plus, a single integration to Dragon Copilot extends a partner’s AI clinical use cases throughout the entire Microsoft Azure ecosystem, opening new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

    Embrace innovation with responsible AI

    Dragon Copilot’s new capabilities are built on a secure data estate and incorporate healthcare-specific clinical, chat, and compliance safeguards for accurate and safe AI outputs. They also align to Microsoft’s responsible AI principles to help guide AI development and use—transparency, reliability and safety, fairness, inclusiveness, accountability, privacy, and security. We remain committed to developing responsible AI by design and ensuring that these technologies positively impact both the healthcare ecosystem and broader society and will share our learnings on this journey with our customers.

    Driving better healthcare outcomes together

    Our healthcare partner ecosystem is constantly growing, highlighted below are just a few of the more than 30 major partners already working with Microsoft. We’re committed to advancing AI innovation in healthcare together with a diverse partner community that spans regions, partner types, and specialties.

    Independent software vendors

    Dragon Copilot empowers ISVs with trusted AI models to create innovative AI-powered use cases, along with opportunities for new revenue channels through the extensibility framework. Several of our industry-leading ISV partners—including MEDITECH, ChipSoft, Dedalus, Canary Speech, and Softway—are helping bring Dragon Copilot to life.

    Leading U.S.-based electronic health provider (EHR) provider MEDITECH is embedding Dragon Copilot into their Expanse EHR solution to improve clinical workflows.

    “We understand the challenges clinicians face today, and Dragon Copilot represents a significant step forward in alleviating those burdens. Integrating this innovative solution directly into Expanse streamlines documentation and ordering processes, reduces cognitive overload, and ultimately empowers providers to deliver superior, more patient-centered care. At MEDITECH, we’re proud to partner on solutions that prioritize both efficiency and clinician well-being.”

    Cathy Turner, Chief Marketing and Nurse Executive, MEDITECH

    ChipSoft, an EHR provider serving Dutch-speaking markets, is integrating new healthcare AI applications into their EHR solution HiX using Dragon Copilot to address the growing demand for digital solutions that reduce the workload of healthcare professionals.

    “We are excited to bring this cutting-edge AI platform to healthcare professionals, enabling them to work more efficiently and effectively. With the availability of AI in HiX, we take an important step in supporting healthcare professionals with their administrative burden. This helps to keep healthcare accessible despite increasing demand and ongoing staff shortages.”

     —Hans Mulder, CEO of ChipSoft

    European electronic medical record (EMR) market leader Dedalus, based in Italy, is integrating Dragon Copilot into their EMR solutions, providing clients with healthcare IT innovations that enhance clinical efficiency and improve patient outcomes.  

    Additionally, Canary Speech, a US-based leader in voice AI, sees Dragon Copilot as an opportunity to integrate their innovative voice technology with Microsoft’s robust cloud and AI capabilities, driving advancements in early disease detection, mental health assessment, and overall patient care.

    “Microsoft’s commitment to working with partners is helping drive digital transformation in healthcare. [The investments Microsoft is making into its partner ecosystem] are helping us transform our business to deliver impactful, human-centered solutions.”

    Henry O’Connell, CEO and co-founder of Canary Speech

    French healthcare enterprise resource planning (ERP) system provider Softway provides solutions that focus on the needs of the user, including improving the quality of life of nurses at work, optimizing care processes, increasing organizational efficiency, and improving quality of care.

    “We are committed to serving healthcare professionals, designing digital solutions that enable them to make informed decisions, while preserving their well-being and providing quality patient care. Partnering with Microsoft allows us to respond to the major challenges faced by healthcare organizations by providing innovative tools and applications.”

    Sherley Brothier, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Softway Medical Group

    System integrators

    With powerful AI infrastructure and technology that works across EMRs, Dragon Copilot provides SIs with a strong foundation for new AI use cases and integrations. Our SI partners such as Accenture-Avanade, Kyndryl, and Cognizant, to name a few, are at the forefront of AI innovation.

    To boost clinician productivity and provide better patient services, the Accenture-Avanade partnership uses generative AI capabilities powered by Tejash Shah, M.D., Managing Director and Global Care Reinvention Lead, Accenture Health

    Additionally, Kyndryl—the world’s largest IT infrastructure provider—co-creates solutions to help healthcare organizations reach their peak digital performance.

    “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in Kyndryl’s commitment to optimizing clinical workflows and improving patient care through ambient listening with advanced AI technology. We’re thrilled to be a Microsoft partner as we work to address clinician burnout and improve the overall healthcare experience. By automating routine tasks, we can help clinicians reclaim valuable time to spend with their patients, bringing the joy back into care.”

    Trent Sanders, Vice President for U.S. Healthcare and Life Sciences, Kyndryl

    Cognizant plans to integrate Dragon Copilot into its TriZetto Provider Solutions with the goal to provide their clients with state-of-the-art capabilities to streamline documentation and improve efficiencies.

    “This innovative solution represents an opportunity for us to help our clients transform the way they provide care. Dragon Copilot’s integrated AI technologies aim to enhance operational efficiency, reduce clinician burnout, and improve patient care. This partnership with Microsoft will underscore our commitment to driving innovation in healthcare and delivering exceptional value to our clients.”

    —Dr. Scott R. Schell PhD MD MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Cognizant

    Cloud service providers

    Dragon Copilot enables CSPs to reach new markets by leveraging robust AI infrastructure and technology that works across EHRs and EMRs to create innovative service offerings. We’re partnering with trailblazing CSP partners—including CDW, ORdigiNAL, and Clinically Speaking—to boost efficiency in healthcare with Dragon Copilot.

    Combined with the power of Mike Grisamore, Vice President of Healthcare, CDW

    A global value-added distributor based in the Netherlands, ORdigiNAL empowers healthcare organizations with the tools to improve operational efficiency and patient experience.

    “At ORdigiNAL, we recognize the critical need for technology that supports clinicians without disrupting their workflow. By partnering with Microsoft on Dragon Copilot, we are bringing an AI solution to healthcare professionals worldwide, helping them improve care quality, increase efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes.”

    Jordy Onrust, CEO and owner of ORdigiNAL

    EHR solution provider Clinically Speaking is looking forward to integrating the ambient and generative AI capabilities of Dragon Copilot to advance their documentation solutions and improve healthcare provider office workflows.

    “Combining our significant user base with the new AI and ambient recording capabilities from Microsoft, Clinically Speaking is uniquely positioned to deliver the maximum benefit from this new technology.”

    Michael Janas, President of Clinically Speaking

    Join our partner ecosystem today

    Whether you want to build, integrate, migrate, extend, or sell with Microsoft, we’ll help you grow across our extensive global healthcare channel.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: “Friday Night Baseball” returns to Apple TV+ on March 28

    Source: Apple

    Headline: “Friday Night Baseball” returns to Apple TV+ on March 28

    March 3, 2025

    UPDATE

    “Friday Night Baseball” returns to Apple TV+ on March 28

    Exclusive weekly doubleheaders return for a fourth season, with New York Mets at Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays

    “Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series,” the new docuseries on Apple TV+, premieres later this month, and a new Apple Immersive baseball film “VIP: Yankee Stadium” to debut next month

    Apple and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced that “Friday Night Baseball,” a weekly doubleheader available on Apple TV+, is set to return for the 2025 regular season. Fans across 60 countries and regions can enjoy two marquee matchups over 25 weeks, featuring enhanced production quality, expert commentary, and no local broadcast restrictions.

    The 2025 season of “Friday Night Baseball” kicks off on Friday, March 28, with some of the game’s biggest stars taking center stage for opening weekend. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET as All-Star Adley Rutschman and the Baltimore Orioles host Silver Slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and division rivals the Toronto Blue Jays. In the second game of the opening doubleheader, superstar Juan Soto and the New York Mets will take on Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros, with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

    Apple and MLB also announced the “Friday Night Baseball” game schedule for the first half of the season through June 27. Notable matchups include a Yankees-Dodgers World Series rematch in Los Angeles, a Texas showdown between the Rangers and Astros, and additional appearances by MVP Shohei Ohtani and the star-studded Dodgers who travel east to face off against Bryce Harper’s Philadelphia Phillies and Juan Soto’s New York Mets. See below for the full schedule.

    “We’re thrilled to bring another season of ‘Friday Night Baseball’ to Apple TV+, with top-tier production quality that baseball fans love,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports, and Beats. “This season, we’re excited to offer an amazing lineup of games with no blackouts, available across more devices than ever before.”

    For the third straight season, “Friday Night Baseball” games will be called by broadcast teams Wayne Randazzo (play-by-play), Dontrelle Willis (analyst), and Heidi Watney (sideline reporter), and Alex Faust (play-by-play), Ryan Spilborghs (analyst), and Tricia Whitaker (sideline reporter). Lauren Gardner, Russell Dorsey, and Xavier Scruggs return to host live pre- and postgame coverage both in-studio and on the field. Additionally, Siera Santos will host select pregame shows and Rich Waltz will call select games.

    “Friday Night Baseball” is produced by MLB Network’s Emmy Award-winning production team in partnership with Apple’s live sports production team. Each game will feature state-of-the-art cameras and immersive sound in 5.1 with Spatial Audio enabled, including player and field-level mics to immerse fans in the stadium atmosphere. Fans in the U.S. and Canada will also have the option to listen to home and away local radio broadcasts during “Friday Night Baseball” games.1

    Beginning opening day on March 27, fans in the U.S. can enjoy the MLB Big Inning whip-around show featuring live look-ins and in-game highlights every weeknight, and a full slate of MLB-related content on Apple TV+, including Countdown to First Pitch, MLB Daily Recap, and MLB This Week. Fans can also access MLB programming free in the Apple TV app, including game recaps, classic games, highlights, interviews, and more.

    With the multiview feature on Apple TV 4K devices and iPad, fans can watch up to four simultaneous streams, including “Friday Night Baseball” games, Major League Soccer matches, and select MLS and MLB live shows.2 With Post Play, viewers can seamlessly transition into other live games at the conclusion of the studio show or match they’re currently watching.

    Apple today also announced VIP: Yankee Stadium, a new Apple Immersive Video for Apple Vision Pro that gives viewers an all-access pass to one of the world’s most iconic sports venues. In the film, available for free next month, broadcasting legend Joe Buck welcomes viewers to Yankee Stadium for a June 2024 “Friday Night Baseball” matchup between the Yankees and their longtime rivals: the Los Angeles Dodgers. From early morning prep scenes to a tense nighttime finale, viewers will go far beyond the front row — with an all-encompassing look at how elite athletes, die-hard fans, dedicated staff, and epic moments make the Bronx ballpark legendary.

    The forthcoming season will also be accompanied by Fight For Glory: 2024 World Series on Apple TV+ — the first all-access docuseries exploring the dramatic, high-stakes world of the World Series where the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers battle to capture the most storied trophy in American sports. The new three-part documentary offers a never-before-seen view of each team’s journey through the postseason, with exclusive access to behind-the-scenes coverage and interviews with players, coaches, fans, journalists, and family members. The project is produced in partnership with MLB and Imagine Documentaries; R.J. Cutler’s This Machine, a part of Sony Pictures Television; and five-time World Series Champion, executive producer Derek Jeter, alongside his production company, Cap 2 Productions.

    The free Apple Sports app for iPhone is the best way for fans to stay up to date on scores, stats, standings, and their favorite clubs throughout the MLB season, and allows users to navigate between scores and upcoming games, explore play-by-play information, stats, live betting odds, and more.3 Apple Sports also seamlessly syncs with favorites selected within the My Sports experience, including in the Apple TV app and Apple News. With iOS 18 and watchOS 11, the Apple Sports app offers Live Activities for all MLB games, delivering live scores and play-by-play info at a quick glance to a user’s iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch.

    In Apple News, fans can easily follow the league and their favorite teams in the MLB feed, and watch personalized MLB highlights. Each Friday, fans can also access a curated group of the most exciting stories from around the league. In Apple Music, fans can find exclusive official playlists featuring the walk-up songs from each week’s teams, as well as a collection of classic songs celebrating baseball.

    How to Watch “Friday Night Baseball”

    Apple TV+ subscribers can watch “Friday Night Baseball” on the Apple TV app, which comes preinstalled on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, as well as online at tv.apple.com. New for this season, Android users can download the Apple TV app from Google Play on Android mobile devices to subscribe to Apple TV+ and enjoy “Friday Night Baseball,” and Prime Video customers in the U.S., UK, and Canada can subscribe to Apple TV+ via Prime Video as an add-on subscription. The Apple TV app is also available on select smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony, TCL, VIZIO, and others; Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices; PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles; Chromecast with Google TV; and set-top boxes, including Sky Q, SK Broadband, and Comcast Xfinity. More information is available at apple.com/apple-tv-app.

    DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS is the national home of “Friday Night Baseball” for commercial establishments in the U.S., delivering all the action to its network of more than 300,000 restaurants, bars, hotel lounges, retail shops, and other venues in the U.S.

    2025 “Friday Night Baseball” Schedule on Apple TV+

    Friday, March 28
    Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays
    7:00 p.m. ET

    New York Mets at Houston Astros
    8:00 p.m. ET

    Friday, April 4
    Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies
    6:30 p.m. ET

    Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers
    8:00 p.m. ET

    Friday, April 11
    Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds
    6:30 p.m. ET

    Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins
    8:00 p.m. ET

    Friday, April 18
    Minnesota Twins at Atlanta Braves
    7:00 p.m. ET

    Seattle Mariners at Toronto Blue Jays
    7:00 p.m. ET

    Friday, April 25
    Boston Red Sox at Cleveland Guardians
    7:00 p.m. ET

    Texas Rangers at San Francisco Giants
    10:00 p.m. ET

    Friday, May 2
    San Diego Padres at Pittsburgh Pirates
    6:30 p.m. ET

    Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers
    8:00 p.m. ET

    Friday, May 9
    St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals
    6:30 p.m. ET

    San Francisco Giants at Minnesota Twins
    8:00 p.m. ET

    Friday, May 16
    Houston Astros at Texas Rangers
    8:00 p.m. ET

    Seattle Mariners at San Diego Padres
    9:30 p.m. ET

    Friday, May 23
    Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets
    7:00 p.m. ET

    Arizona Diamondbacks at St. Louis Cardinals
    8:00 p.m. ET

    Friday, May 30
    Boston Red Sox at Atlanta Braves
    7:00 p.m. ET

    New York Yankees at Los Angeles Dodgers
    10:00 p.m. ET

    Friday, June 6
    Arizona Diamondbacks at Cincinnati Reds
    7:00 p.m. ET

    Chicago Cubs at Detroit Tigers
    7:00 p.m. ET

    Friday, June 13
    Los Angeles Angels at Baltimore Orioles
    7:00 p.m. ET

    San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks
    9:30 p.m. ET

    Friday, June 20
    New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies
    7:00 p.m. ET

    Kansas City Royals at San Diego Padres
    9:30 pm. ET

    Friday, June 27
    Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles
    7:00 p.m. ET

    St. Louis Cardinals at Cleveland Guardians
    7:00 p.m. ET

    Pricing and Availability

    Apple TV+ is available for $9.99 (U.S.) per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, eligible customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.4

    1. Radio broadcasts for the Los Angeles Angels are available only for the team’s home games. In Canada, radio broadcasts are available only for Toronto Blue Jays home games.
    2. Multiview is supported on iPad (7th generation) or later.
    3. Available in the U.S., the UK, and Canada.
    4. Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.

    Press Contacts

    Sam Citron

    Apple

    citron@apple.com

    Hayden Zelson

    Apple

    h_zelson@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Launches AI-Ready Data Storage for Carriers to Embrace AI Mar 04, 2025

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches AI-Ready Data Storage for Carriers to Embrace AI
    Mar 04, 2025

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] At MWC 2025 Barcelona, Dr. Peter Zhou, President of Huawei Data Storage Product Line, delivered a keynote speech on AI-Ready Data Storage Accelerates Telco-to-Techco Transformation. The speech, delivered at the product and solution launch event.
    Dr. Peter Zhou, President of Huawei Data Storage Product Line, delivered a keynote speech

    Dr. Peter Zhou believes the AI-powered transformation of various industries is creating a golden era for data. Global carriers are continuously exploring business value by capitalizing on and monetizing application scenarios, such as smart home and digital factories. And that means higher demands on data storage, service capabilities, and business models.
    To address these challenges, “Huawei Data Storage provides the AI-Ready data lake solution, diverse data storage services, and the FlashEver business model, empowering carriers to turn their disordered data into high-quality assets to unlock the value of data,” as Dr. Peter Zhou said.
    The AI-Ready data lake breaks data silos, making data visible, manageable, and available
    For mission-critical production workloads, Huawei launches the New-Gen OceanStor Dorado Converged All-Flash Storage and OceanStor A Series High-Performance AI Storage. These solutions boast 100 million–level IOPS, financial-grade reliability, and efficient AI training and inference, supporting tens of billions of daily charging services and robust mobile financial services. Further, the enhanced object storage enables seamless integration of carrier services with cloud-native and AI applications.
    For mass data, the Huawei New-Gen OceanStor Pacific All-Flash Scale-Out Storage provides industry-high density and low power consumption. The storage provides exabyte-level scalability to handle cost pressure from emerging services like live streams and XR games.
    Another new offering is the New-Gen OceanProtect All-Flash Backup Storage for data protection. The storage offers five times faster data recovery than industry alternatives, accommodating service needs such as emergency drills and AI application development to protect the value of every bit.
    Diverse data storage services are fueling carrier AI evolution
    Carriers face several challenges in adopting AI, including weak data engineering, inadequate efficient AI model development platforms, long data preparation times, slow model training, and complex AI application development. The Huawei DCS AI Solution provides a one-stop AI full-process toolchain and containerized environment, accelerating fine-tuning and large-scale deployment of AI models.
    FlashEver business model maximizes carrier investment
    Changes in services and technologies are placing greater investment demands on carriers. Dr. Peter Zhou shared FlashEver, the business model that protects investments, providing an evolutionary, flexible architecture to enable seamless upgrades for live-network equipment. Also, Huawei storage platform services offer flexible purchase options, SLA assurance, and diverse storage and data services, ensuring high-quality customer experiences.
    Dr. Peter Zhou reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to continuous innovation, specifically building the AI-ready data storage foundation and future-proof storage power to fuel the AI adoption across the carrier industry.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 is held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
    In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei: Helping Carriers Reshape Business, Infrastructure, and O&M with AI Mar 04, 2025

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei: Helping Carriers Reshape Business, Infrastructure, and O&M with AI
    Mar 04, 2025

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] During MWC Barcelona 2025, Huawei is gathering carriers, industry partners, and opinion leaders from around the world to explore the intersection of 5G networks and AI, and how they can support one another to unlock new growth opportunities.
    The company is showcasing a sweeping range of solutions:
    AI-to-X – Shorthand for AI-to-Consumers, AI-to-Businesses, and AI-to-Homes, including a series of solutions that can help carriers expand into AI services for new, more targeted domains and achieve business growth
    AI-Centric Network solution – Helping carriers build networks that can meet the challenging demands of new AI applications to ensure a smooth and superior experience
    AI-powered O&M – Using AI to revitalize network O&M, and helping carriers achieve L4 autonomous networks (AN) for fully intelligent O&M
    These discussions come at a time when high-quality, open-source AI models are developing fast, powering a new, more diverse wave of innovation in AI applications.
    Huawei’s booth at MWC Barcelona 2025

    Huawei’s theme this year is “Accelerating the Intelligent World”, and their star-studded booth in Hall 1 is designed to represent countless bits of intelligence lighting up the night’s sky. The company is showcasing its innovation in digital infrastructure and service applications for individuals, homes, and enterprises, as well as success stories created together with its customers and partners.
    Evolving 5G networks to seize new opportunities
    By the end of 2024, there were more than 2.1 billion 5G users around the world, and the numbers continue to grow. Huawei has been working with carriers to drive the development of 5G through both business and network innovation, helping them transition from mobile Internet to mobile AI.
    In 2024, a number of pioneering carriers have already kicked off commercial 5G-Advanced (5G-A), launching 5G-A packages for users in more than 200 cities around the world. For consumers, these packages take advantage of 5G-A’s enhanced capabilities to provide an optimized user experience for scenarios like livestreaming and gaming, as well as metro and business travel. For carriers, these packages are an opportunity to go beyond traditional connectivity and start monetizing a more personalized experience for different users. Carrier progress in these domains has propelled the industry into an era of AI-powered 5G-A connectivity.
    Huawei is actively working with carriers in China, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific to explore innovative experience monetization models, define application scenarios, design new offerings, and build their user base. This shift of focus from connectivity to experience has both improved user experience and increased carrier revenue.
    AI-Centric Network
    Huawei launched its AI-Centric Network solution that helps carriers upgrade their ICT network infrastructure to meet new demands on bandwidth, latency, coverage, and O&M brought about by a flood of new AI applications. It’s designed to help quickly reshape telecom service and business models to seize new opportunities in the age of AI.
    With the rapid development of technologies like 5G-A, cloud, and AI, carriers will need to upgrade from connectivity service providers to digital service providers. To guide this process, Huawei is launching a three-layer technology architecture for carriers looking to transform from telcos to techcos, helping them tap into new business domains and open the door to new growth opportunities.
    Accelerating Industrial Intelligence
    At this year’s MWC, Huawei’s Enterprise Business is demonstrating how different industries can incorporate AI into their unique business scenarios using the company’s industrial intelligence reference architecture.During the event, Huawei unveiled 83 different industry showcases with customers, and launched ten 10 major solutions to accelerate intelligent transformation together with its partners.
    Pushing the boundaries of consumer devices and experience
    Huawei’s consumer business will showcase a lineup of high-end, fashion-forward, and technology-driven flagship products at the event. Through multiple scenario-based experience zones, the company will share its latest innovations in foldable phones, fitness and health, photography, and creativity, focusing on how technology can further enrich people’s everyday lives.
    Huawei believes in a human-centric approach to developing technology that shapes the future. In 2025, the company will continue to develop consumer products that push the boundaries of technology, provide an ultimate smart experience for all user scenarios, and build a high-end brand that consumers both love and trust.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 will be held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
    In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei: Helping Carriers Reshape Business, Infrastructure, and O&M with AI

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei: Helping Carriers Reshape Business, Infrastructure, and O&M with AI

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] During MWC Barcelona 2025, Huawei is gathering carriers, industry partners, and opinion leaders from around the world to explore the intersection of 5G networks and AI, and how they can support one another to unlock new growth opportunities.
    The company is showcasing a sweeping range of solutions:
    AI-to-X – Shorthand for AI-to-Consumers, AI-to-Businesses, and AI-to-Homes, including a series of solutions that can help carriers expand into AI services for new, more targeted domains and achieve business growth
    AI-Centric Network solution – Helping carriers build networks that can meet the challenging demands of new AI applications to ensure a smooth and superior experience
    AI-powered O&M – Using AI to revitalize network O&M, and helping carriers achieve L4 autonomous networks (AN) for fully intelligent O&M
    These discussions come at a time when high-quality, open-source AI models are developing fast, powering a new, more diverse wave of innovation in AI applications.
    Huawei’s booth at MWC Barcelona 2025

    Huawei’s theme this year is “Accelerating the Intelligent World”, and their star-studded booth in Hall 1 is designed to represent countless bits of intelligence lighting up the night’s sky. The company is showcasing its innovation in digital infrastructure and service applications for individuals, homes, and enterprises, as well as success stories created together with its customers and partners.
    Evolving 5G networks to seize new opportunities
    By the end of 2024, there were more than 2.1 billion 5G users around the world, and the numbers continue to grow. Huawei has been working with carriers to drive the development of 5G through both business and network innovation, helping them transition from mobile Internet to mobile AI.
    In 2024, a number of pioneering carriers have already kicked off commercial 5G-Advanced (5G-A), launching 5G-A packages for users in more than 200 cities around the world. For consumers, these packages take advantage of 5G-A’s enhanced capabilities to provide an optimized user experience for scenarios like livestreaming and gaming, as well as metro and business travel. For carriers, these packages are an opportunity to go beyond traditional connectivity and start monetizing a more personalized experience for different users. Carrier progress in these domains has propelled the industry into an era of AI-powered 5G-A connectivity.
    Huawei is actively working with carriers in China, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific to explore innovative experience monetization models, define application scenarios, design new offerings, and build their user base. This shift of focus from connectivity to experience has both improved user experience and increased carrier revenue.
    AI-Centric Network
    Huawei launched its AI-Centric Network solution that helps carriers upgrade their ICT network infrastructure to meet new demands on bandwidth, latency, coverage, and O&M brought about by a flood of new AI applications. It’s designed to help quickly reshape telecom service and business models to seize new opportunities in the age of AI.
    With the rapid development of technologies like 5G-A, cloud, and AI, carriers will need to upgrade from connectivity service providers to digital service providers. To guide this process, Huawei is launching a three-layer technology architecture for carriers looking to transform from telcos to techcos, helping them tap into new business domains and open the door to new growth opportunities.
    Accelerating Industrial Intelligence
    At this year’s MWC, Huawei’s Enterprise Business is demonstrating how different industries can incorporate AI into their unique business scenarios using the company’s industrial intelligence reference architecture.During the event, Huawei unveiled 83 different industry showcases with customers, and launched ten 10 major solutions to accelerate intelligent transformation together with its partners.
    Pushing the boundaries of consumer devices and experience
    Huawei’s consumer business will showcase a lineup of high-end, fashion-forward, and technology-driven flagship products at the event. Through multiple scenario-based experience zones, the company will share its latest innovations in foldable phones, fitness and health, photography, and creativity, focusing on how technology can further enrich people’s everyday lives.
    Huawei believes in a human-centric approach to developing technology that shapes the future. In 2025, the company will continue to develop consumer products that push the boundaries of technology, provide an ultimate smart experience for all user scenarios, and build a high-end brand that consumers both love and trust.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 will be held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
    In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Launches AI-Ready Data Storage for Carriers to Embrace AI

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches AI-Ready Data Storage for Carriers to Embrace AI

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] At MWC 2025 Barcelona, Dr. Peter Zhou, President of Huawei Data Storage Product Line, delivered a keynote speech on AI-Ready Data Storage Accelerates Telco-to-Techco Transformation. The speech, delivered at the product and solution launch event.
    Dr. Peter Zhou, President of Huawei Data Storage Product Line, delivered a keynote speech

    Dr. Peter Zhou believes the AI-powered transformation of various industries is creating a golden era for data. Global carriers are continuously exploring business value by capitalizing on and monetizing application scenarios, such as smart home and digital factories. And that means higher demands on data storage, service capabilities, and business models.
    To address these challenges, “Huawei Data Storage provides the AI-Ready data lake solution, diverse data storage services, and the FlashEver business model, empowering carriers to turn their disordered data into high-quality assets to unlock the value of data,” as Dr. Peter Zhou said.
    The AI-Ready data lake breaks data silos, making data visible, manageable, and available
    For mission-critical production workloads, Huawei launches the New-Gen OceanStor Dorado Converged All-Flash Storage and OceanStor A Series High-Performance AI Storage. These solutions boast 100 million–level IOPS, financial-grade reliability, and efficient AI training and inference, supporting tens of billions of daily charging services and robust mobile financial services. Further, the enhanced object storage enables seamless integration of carrier services with cloud-native and AI applications.
    For mass data, the Huawei New-Gen OceanStor Pacific All-Flash Scale-Out Storage provides industry-high density and low power consumption. The storage provides exabyte-level scalability to handle cost pressure from emerging services like live streams and XR games.
    Another new offering is the New-Gen OceanProtect All-Flash Backup Storage for data protection. The storage offers five times faster data recovery than industry alternatives, accommodating service needs such as emergency drills and AI application development to protect the value of every bit.
    Diverse data storage services are fueling carrier AI evolution
    Carriers face several challenges in adopting AI, including weak data engineering, inadequate efficient AI model development platforms, long data preparation times, slow model training, and complex AI application development. The Huawei DCS AI Solution provides a one-stop AI full-process toolchain and containerized environment, accelerating fine-tuning and large-scale deployment of AI models.
    FlashEver business model maximizes carrier investment
    Changes in services and technologies are placing greater investment demands on carriers. Dr. Peter Zhou shared FlashEver, the business model that protects investments, providing an evolutionary, flexible architecture to enable seamless upgrades for live-network equipment. Also, Huawei storage platform services offer flexible purchase options, SLA assurance, and diverse storage and data services, ensuring high-quality customer experiences.
    Dr. Peter Zhou reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to continuous innovation, specifically building the AI-ready data storage foundation and future-proof storage power to fuel the AI adoption across the carrier industry.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 is held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
    In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Next phase of sanctions thematic project to start

    Source: Isle of Man

    The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (“the Authority”) is launching the next stage of its thematic review to assess AML/CFT compliance in relation to sanctions.

    Following the successful completion of Phase 2 of the project, which started in January 2024 with a focus on banks and money transmission service licence holders, Phase 3 will be risk-driven and cover firms in other sectors.

    The work forms part of the Authority’s supervisory engagement plan for 2025/26 and will be led by the AML/CFT Supervision Division in conjunction with other supervisory divisions where appropriate. 

    In Phase 3, requests for relevant documentation to be provided to the Authority will be sent to Island firms at the same time as they are notified of their inclusion of the project. The nature and scale of the project means that notifications, and the involvement of individual licence holders and designated businesses, will be staged over a period of time.

    Further assistance and guidance in relation to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Code 2019 (“the Code”) is available on the Authority’s AML/CFT webpage.

    Useful documents include, but are not limited to – the Anti-Money Laundering & Countering the Financing of Terrorism Handbook, the Customs & Excise Sanctions Guidance, and the latest Isle of Man Financial Crime Strategy 2024 -2026.

    Ashley Whyte, Head of AML/CFT Supervision, said: ‘The Island is committed to fulfilling its international obligations with regard to:

    • sanctions regimes, and denying terrorist groups access to the financial system;
    • countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and
    • effective controls on the export and trade in military equipment, dual-use items, and other goods of concern.

    ‘The Authority is progressing the thematic project to assess the AML/CFT frameworks established by Island firms to consider sanctions risks and vulnerabilities. A Phase 2 report will be published in due course presenting learnings, best practice and key observations. The importance of awareness relating to both financial and non-financial sanctions is long established in AML/CFT legislation, albeit additional focus has arisen in recent years as a result of global conflict, including the invasion of Ukraine and elsewhere.’

    She added: ‘Phase 3 of this project presents the opportunity to further test and evidence how relevant persons are meeting their AML/CFT responsibilities in this area utilising the data provided by firms via STRIX as part of the annual return. It is the Authority’s intention to publish further reports following the completion of Phase 3. These projects are an important part of the Authority’s toolkit to build a picture of the Isle of Man risk environment in combination with our other engagement with the financial services sector. Continued collaboration will ensure we are able to evidence, as an international financial centre, that the Isle of Man maintains strong frameworks to limit and disrupt financial crime.’

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Oren Cass on the Invisible Hand

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Oren Cass on the Invisible Hand

    Photo courtesy of Oren Cass

    In This Episode

    Modern economics was built on ideas spelled out by Adam Smith in his 18th-century The Wealth of Nations. But while he used the term only once in that economic treatise, Smith is most remembered for “the invisible hand,” a metaphor Oren Cass says has wrongly been associated with the idea that the pursuit of profit is always socially beneficial and that markets are somehow magically guided by that principal. Cass is the founder and chief economist at American Compass. In this podcast, he says the contortion of Smith’s idea led to a blind faith in markets, whereas “the invisible hand” was about ensuring the alignment between private profit and the public interest. Transcript

    Read the article in Finance and Development

    OREN CASS is founder and chief economist of American Compass, a think tank.

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    BEHIND THE MIC

    Bruce Edwards

    International Monetary Fund

    Bruce Edwards produces the IMF podcast program. He’s an award-winning audio producer and journalist who’s covered armed conflicts, social unrest, and natural disasters from all corners of the world. He believes economists have an important role in solving the world’s problems and aspires to showcase their research in every IMF podcast.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft Dragon Copilot provides the healthcare industry’s first AI assistant for clinical workflow

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft Dragon Copilot provides the healthcare industry’s first AI assistant for clinical workflow

    By combining and extending the proven capabilities of Dragon Medical One (DMO) and DAX Copilot (DAX), Dragon Copilot promotes clinician well-being, increases efficiency, improves patient experiences and drives financial impact

    REDMOND, Wash. — March 3, 2025 — On Monday, Microsoft Corp. is unveiling Microsoft Dragon Copilot, the first AI assistant for clinical workflow that brings together the trusted natural language voice dictation capabilities of DMO with the ambient listening capabilities of DAX, fine-tuned generative AI and healthcare-adapted safeguards. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot is built on a secure modern architecture that enables organizations to deliver enhanced experiences and outcomes across care settings for providers and patients alike.

    Clinician burnout in the U.S. dropped from 53% in 2023 to 48% in 2024, in part due to technology advancements. However, with an aging population, and persistent burnout felt across the profession, a significant U.S. workforce shortage is projected. In response, health systems are adopting AI to streamline administrative tasks, enhance care access, and enable faster clinical insights to improve healthcare globally.

    “At Microsoft, we have long believed that AI has the incredible potential to free clinicians from much of the administrative burden in healthcare and enable them to refocus on taking care of patients,” said Joe Petro, corporate vice president of Microsoft Health and Life Sciences Solutions and Platforms. “With the launch of our new Dragon Copilot, we are introducing the first unified voice AI experience to the market, drawing on our trusted, decades-long expertise that has consistently enhanced provider wellness and improved clinical and financial outcomes for provider organizations and the patients they serve.”

    “With Dragon Copilot, we’re not just enhancing how we work in the EHR — we’re tapping into a Microsoft-powered ecosystem where AI assistance extends across our organization, delivering a consistent and intelligent experience everywhere we work,” said Dr. R. Hal Baker, senior vice president and chief digital and chief information officer, WellSpan Health. “It’s this ability to enhance the patient experience while streamlining clinician workflows that makes Dragon Copilot such a game-changer.”

    Dragon Copilot combines DMO’s speech capabilities, which has helped clinicians document billions of patient records, and DAX’s ambient AI technology, which has assisted over 3 million ambient patient conversations across 600 healthcare organizations in the past month alone. With these ambient AI capabilities, organizations have already realized significant outcomes, with clinicians reporting five minutes saved per encounter,[1] 70% of clinicians reporting reduced feelings of burnout and fatigue,[2] 62% of clinicians stating they are less likely to leave their organization,[3] while 93% of patients report a better overall experience.[4]

    Key features of Dragon Copilot allow clinicians and other care providers across specialties to:

    • Streamline documentation: Clinicians can take advantage of multilanguage ambient note creation, automated tasks and multilanguage support, personalized style and formatting, natural language dictation capabilities, speech memos, editing, customized texts, templates, AI prompts, and more in one singular user interface.
    • Surface information: The embedded AI assistant functionality allows clinicians to conduct general-purpose medical information searches from trusted content sources.
    • Automate tasks: New capabilities allow clinicians to automate key tasks, such as conversational orders, note and clinical evidence summaries, referral letters, and after-visit summaries, in one centralized workspace.

    Clinicians working across ambulatory, inpatient, emergency departments and other care settings will benefit from Dragon Copilot’s fast, accurate, secure and intuitive speech and ambient capabilities to document care, navigate electronic health record (EHR) workflows, and perform other administrative tasks. Dragon Copilot will be generally available in the U.S. and Canada in May, followed by the U.K., Germany, France and the Netherlands. Microsoft is also committed to bringing a new Dragon experience to other key markets using Dragon Medical today.

    “We are aware of the administrative burnout affecting our clinicians, and the need for improved care access for our patients, and the newest evolution of Dragon represents a significant step forward in alleviating this strain,” said Glen Kearns, EVP and CIO, The Ottawa Hospital. “We are thrilled to be one of the first customers in Canada to use Microsoft’s ambient and generative AI technology. The newest evolution of Dragon Copilot could help alleviate documentation burden for our clinical teams.”

    With Microsoft’s extensive healthcare industry partner ecosystem, healthcare organizations can unlock more value from Dragon Copilot by accessing new solutions and integrated offerings. These partners include leading EHR providers, independent software vendors, system integrators and cloud service providers that each play a unique role in enabling organizations to deliver meaningful outcomes using the Dragon Copilot solution.

    Embracing AI innovations with a secure data estate and responsible AI

    Dragon’s new capabilities are built on a secure data estate and incorporate healthcare-specific clinical, chat and compliance safeguards for accurate and safe AI outputs. They also align to Microsoft’s responsible AI principles to help guide AI development and use —transparency, reliability and safety, fairness, inclusiveness, accountability, privacy, and security. We remain committed to developing responsible AI by design and ensuring that these technologies positively impact both the healthcare ecosystem and broader society and will share our learnings on this journey with our customers.

    For more information on Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, please visit the Microsoft health and life sciences press site here. For more information on Dragon Copilot, click here or visit us at booth #2221 at HIMSS.

    Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

    For more information, press only:

    Microsoft Media Relations, WE Communications, (425) 638-7777,
    [email protected]

    Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit Microsoft Source at https://news.microsoft.com/source. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-public-relations-contacts.

    [1] Microsoft survey of 879 clinicians across 340 healthcare organizations using DAX Copilot; July 2024

    [2] Microsoft survey of 879 clinicians across 340 healthcare organizations using DAX Copilot; July 2024

    [3] Microsoft survey of 879 clinicians across 340 healthcare organizations using DAX Copilot; July 2024

    [4] Survey of 413 patients conducted by multiple healthcare organizations whose clinicians use DAX Copilot; June 2024

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