NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Christopher Hui departs for Canada

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui will depart for Canada today to visit Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver.

     

    During his visit, Mr Hui will attend the premier Web Summit Vancouver, a key event, where he will share the latest fintech developments and opportunities in Hong Kong with thousands of tech entrepreneurs, investors and leaders.

     

    He will also join several business networking events organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Toronto) and Invest Hong Kong (Canada) to introduce Hong Kong’s advantages in areas such as the financial market, wealth management and fintech, along with the policy support and concessions offered to boost relevant developments and applications.

     

    In addition to conferring with government financial officials of Canada, Mr Hui plans to meet representatives from trade associations and think tanks. He will also visit a number of banks and insurance companies.

     

    Mr Hui is scheduled to return to Hong Kong on May 31. During his absence, Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Joseph Chan will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Sonowal hails PM Modi’s leadership as India rises to fourth-largest economy in the world

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday celebrated India’s ascent to becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, crediting the achievement to the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014.

    Speaking at a “Mann Ki Baat” listening event in Assam’s Dibrugarh, Sonowal praised the Prime Minister’s monthly radio address for inspiring millions with stories of courage, innovation, and national pride.

    “Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has consistently inspired the citizens of the nation through transformative ideas and stories of courage from across the country,” Sonowal said. “Listening to today’s address once again left me inspired. The Prime Minister has urged all citizens to dedicate themselves to building a developed and self-reliant India. Under his leadership, India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy. We must commit ourselves to taking this journey of growth and prosperity to even greater heights and ultimately achieve Modi ji’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.”

    The Dibrugarh MP also led a Tiranga Yatra in the city, organized to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent evacuation and rescue mission. He praised the bravery of the armed forces and reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to national security.

    During the Yatra, Sonowal also paused to engage with rickshaw pullers and labourers along the route, expressing gratitude for their contributions to society.

    “Shramiks are one of the key driving forces of our great nation. Meeting these hardworking individuals has always been a source of joy and inspiration for me. I thank them for their hard work towards the service of society. After interacting with them, I felt encouraged and grateful to this wonderful country where everyone is working towards building a better tomorrow under the dynamic and inspiring leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji. The unshaken smiles of Shramiks, even in the face of hardship, are what keep us going. They always inspire me. The Modi government remains committed to its holistic welfare and development.”

    Later in the day, Sonowal unveiled a full-sized statue of Matak monarch Swargadeo Sarbananda Singha Dev at Koilabari in Sadiya town. The unveiling ceremony drew widespread participation from community leaders, cultural figures, and local residents who came to pay homage to one of Assam’s most iconic rulers.

    Reflecting on the monarch’s legacy, Sonowal said: “The life and legacy of Swargadeo Sarbananda Singha Dev reflect a profound commitment to public service, justice, and the welfare of his people. His unwavering dedication to his motherland continues to inspire our national spirit. As we unveil this full-sized statue at Koilabari in Sadiya, I urge everyone – especially the younger generation – to draw strength from his ideals and dedicate themselves with sincerity and responsibility to the cause of nation-building. Let his example guide us in our collective journey toward a more just, united, and prosperous India.”

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Taiwan’s MOEA Announces: DOIT to Showcase Three NT$100 Million Startups at InnoVEX 2025

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    The Department of Industrial Technology under Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) led 20 research-driven startup teams to InnoVEX, one of Asia’s leading innovation and startup exhibitions. At the event, they unveiled the Taiwan Research-Institute Entrepreneur Ecosystem (TREE) Pavilion, showcasing advanced innovations in AI, ICT, semiconductors, smart mobility, biotech, healthcare tech, green tech, and the circular economy.

    Three startups have achieved the NT$100 million revenue benchmark:

    -FREE Bionics: Has tripled its revenue in the past four years and secured over NT$600 million in funding.
    -KopherBit: On track to exceed NT$100 million in revenue by 2025.
    -GasolineAI: Secured an order worth NT$100 million in its first year.

    Additionally, the 2025 TREE Award Ceremony took place on May 22, celebrating five promising startup teams from research institutions. Experts selected them for their achievements in translating research innovations into market successes.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: 31/2025・Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 31 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 26 May 2025

    Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    On 28 February 2025, Trifork initiated a share buyback program in accordance with Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, (Safe Harbour regulation). The share buyback program runs from 4 March 2025 up to and including no later than 30 June 2025. For details, please see company announcement no. 7 of 28 February 2025.

    Under the share buyback program, Trifork will purchase shares for up to a total of DKK 14.92 million (approximately EUR 2 million). Prior to the launch of the share buyback, Trifork held 256,329 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.3% of the share capital. Under the program, the following transactions have been made:

            Number of shares        Average purchase price (DKK)        Transaction value (DKK)
    Total beginning 88,874 86.74 7,709,372
    19 May 2025 1,300 92.53 120,289
    20 May 2025 1,200 91.89 110,268
    21 May 2025 1,200 91.57 109,884
    22 May 2025 1,200 91.53 109,836
    23 May 2025 1,200 90.93 109,116
    Accumulated 94,974 87.06 8,268,765

    A detailed overview of the daily transactions can be found here: https://investor.trifork.com/trifork-shares/

    Since the share buyback program was started on 4 March 2025, the total number of repurchased shares is 94,974 at a total amount of DKK 8,268,765.
    On 25 March, 25 April and 23 May 2025, 4,370 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized for the Executive Management’s monthly fixed salary, representing a change from cash payment to payment partly in shares (refer to company announcement no. 1 of 21 January 2025). On 1 April 2025, 19,943 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized to serve the RSU plan of Executive Management and certain employees.

    With the transactions stated above, Trifork holds a total of 326,016 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.7%. The total number of registered shares in Trifork is 19,744,899. Adjusted for treasury shares, the number of outstanding shares is 19,417,909.


    Investor and media contact
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17

    About Trifork
    Trifork is a pioneering and global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative digital solutions. With 1,215 professionals across 71 business units in 16 countries, Trifork specializes in designing, building, and operating advanced software across sectors such as public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. The Group’s R&D arm, Trifork Labs, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic, high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is publicly listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sets action plan for digital, intelligent supply chains

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

    BEIJING, May 26 — China rolled out an action plan on Monday to accelerate the development of digital and intelligent supply chains as part of broader efforts to modernize them.

    The action plan, jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and seven other departments, advocates adopting cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and blockchain to drive digitalization, intelligentization and visualization of supply chains.

    The plan vows to improve the agricultural supply chains, develop intelligent manufacturing supply chains, strengthen supply chain integration in the wholesale sector, optimize retail supply chains, and reduce logistics costs, according to the commerce ministry.

    It comes as the country is stepping up efforts to improve the systems for enhancing the resilience and security of industrial and supply chains, promote full integration between the real economy and the digital economy, and encourage enterprises to apply digital and intelligent technologies to transform and upgrade traditional industries.

    The plan aims to establish replicable models for building digital and intelligent supply chains, with deeply embedded, intelligent and self-supporting systems operational across the country’s major industries and key fields by 2030.

    It also targets nurturing about 100 national leading enterprises in the digital and intelligent supply chain sector by 2030.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: tpay Appoints Marouane Bakhtar as Chief Operating Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — tpay, the leading payment connector, has appointed Marouane Bakhtar as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this pivotal role, Marouane will oversee and manage day-to-day operations, including engineering and commercial functions, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.

    He will collaborate closely with the executive leadership team to drive growth, enhance efficiency, and support the execution of tpay’s long-term vision.

    “We’re pleased to welcome Marouane to tpay management,” said Işık Uman, Group CEO of tpay. “I believe that he will bring a wealth of experience in operational execution that aligns perfectly with our goal to deliver sustainable value for our clients, and with his broad experience and diverse skill set in the finance industry and deep understanding of fintech approach, he will make a remarkable contribution in translating tpay’s strategic plans into actionable operational goals.”

    “I’m thrilled to take on this new role as tpay implements a strategy to take the company to the next level by expanding its platform offerings and creating more sustainable value for its clients,” commented Marouane Bakhtar. “I look forward to working with tpay management to lead the teams tasked with driving optimal customer experiences and maximising customer value.”

    Marouane brings 17 years of experience leading large-scale, complex projects in top-tier financial services organisations. As former Managing Director of Synpulse UK, he quadrupled the firm’s presence in the UK and led multi-million-pound transformation initiatives, overseeing strategy, delivery, sales, finance, HR, and client partnerships.

    He has extensive expertise in corporate strategy, digital transformation, and technology leadership, known for combining strategic vision with operational and technological execution to drive measurable growth and impact.

    Marouane has a master’s degree in finance and economics from Toulouse Business School.

    About tpay

    tpay is the leading payment connector in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META), dedicated to empowering digital transactions and expanding access to services across the region. With a presence in over 30 countries and partnerships with hundreds of merchants and operators, tpay unifies META through unparalleled network reach, strategic alliances, and transaction excellence. Trusted by global tech brands like Google, Huawei, MBC, Tencent, and others, tpay is transforming digital payments across META. Discover more at: https://tpaymobile.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/22ca5a56-4acd-447c-848c-60c03e318018

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Job Opening: Senior Regional Campaign Strategist (Legal and Political)

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    This is a full-time position based in either Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, or Kuala Lumpur working on legal and political issues related to the environment. Candidates who have the legal right to work and live in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are encouraged to apply.

    Greenpeace and volunteers raise a ‘wind turbine’ on the beach at dawn in Durban, South Africa. To send a message of hope for international negotiations to agree on a fair, ambitious, and legally binding treaty to avert climate chaos.

    About the Role

    The Senior Regional Campaign Strategist (Legal and Political) leads the development of Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s (GPSEA) political and legal strategy and provides legal and political risk assessments in all stages of campaign/project development and implementation. The scope of work is regional, multi-issue, multi-project, and multi-discipline with global dimensions. It requires high ability to adapt and work in different and challenging internal and external work environments and political contexts.

    Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Lead the development and implementation of regional political and legal strategy of GPSEA bringing campaigns and projects across countries together for synergy, regional and global impact as aligned with GPSEA Theory of Change (TOC), objectives and priorities
    • Provide political and legal risk assessments and mitigation measures on key campaign strategies, and project activities; advise leadership team on political and legal responses in case of harassment, violence, and attacks on the staff (including activists, supporters and volunteers) institution, property and reputation of GPSEA
    • Anchor the development of South-South legal/political community and global south position on multilateral platforms in the Greenpeace  global network.
    • Lead global legal/political project or process relevant to GPSEA and global political and legal campaign objectives
    • Strategically position and make GPSEA’s presence in multilateral platforms highly impactful
    • Develop legal and political briefings, negotiating texts, reports, updates, position papers and talking points for regional and global submission in cooperation with relevant programme staff 
    • Analyse external political situations and identify relevant regional trends and opportunities to advance GPSEA’s political and legal work regionally and globally
    • Develop and maintain a GPSEA community of practice around legal and political work
    • Ensure GPSEA’s political and legal position and stance on issues are coherent and consistent across countries and in external communications
    • Proactively identify politically or legally contentious issues that will impact GPSEA and provide advice on actions to take
    • When required/requested, perform a review and give political, legal sign off of reports and other external communications of GPSEA.
    • Actively contribute to programme design, review of campaigns and projects and provide inputs for decision making processes.
    • Proactively contribute to the development and implementation of innovative strategies for non-violent direct actions to maximize political and legal impact, in cooperation with country teams and other international units, and in accordance with Greenpeace’s principles
    • Participate in non-violent direct action to support and advance campaign goals.
    • Organize and oversee the work of short-term contractors where appropriate.
    • Help manage and oversee the budget and ensure financial integrity of projects and unit
    • Coordinate and ensure coherence on GPSEA position internally, provide legal and political oversight on sign-ons
    • Represent GPSEA’s political, legal and related inputs at internal meetings and activities of Greenpeace’s global legal and political communities or global project teams. Inform GPSEA of agreements and developments in the global legal and political communities.
    • Periodically conduct capacity needs assessments of GPSEA staff to improve legal and political work
    • Coordinate capacity building skills shares and training to support the legal and political work of the program team. When requested, mentor or coach  program staff to enhance his/her skills in political and legal engagements.
    • Working with the Fundraising Team to explore and develop working relationships and cooperation with  donors and foundations
    • Lead and coordinate the development of funding proposals for GPSEA legal and political work with relevant GPSEA team leaders.
    • Represent, lead and strategically position GPSEA at key international, regional fora
    • Ensure that the objectives, analysis, recommendations and submissions  of GPSEA in relevant fora are timely, effective and strategic in advancing GPSEA program and organizational objectives, branding and identity
    • Act as expert spokesperson on regional legal and political issues for  GPSEA and a go to person for the global organisation when needed.
    • Proactively develop relationships with national and regional media to increase campaign outreach
    • Build networks and alliances to advance GPSEA objectives, brand and identity
    • Contribute to strengthening social and emergent regional and global movements by supporting development of campaign strategies
    • Develop common strategies and actions with external parties regionally and globally in support of broader political objectives and to realize global and GPSEA campaign objectives and TOCs
    • Assist the Campaign Director in designing GPSEA campaign program and implement strategies to mobilize various stakeholders  and key audiences in the region 
    • Manage project cycle and optimize responsiveness to current situation/context, evolve and devise new ways of working for efficient delivery of multi-layered projects
    • Respond to and engage in internal as well as pressing external regional challenges as determined by the campaign team through the Campaign Director beyond his/her normal area of work as circumstances do require.
    • Keep abreast of regional developments in political and legal fields and maintain a general knowledge of developments in political, legal developments in SEA in order to ensure that GPSEA is able to respond, adjust, campaign appropriately/effectively.
    • Coordinate policy and legal research or other outputs such as policy briefs, statements, submissions, pleadings, motions, legal comments and legal opinions to ensure consistency in form and substance.

    Skills and Experience Requirements:

    • Master’s degree minimum, Doctorate in philosophy or laws preferred in field of Political Science, Public Management, Public Policy, International Relations with minimum 10 years of equivalent experience

    Organizational Competencies:

    • Integrity, professionalism
    • Strategic thinking, goal-oriented
    • High standards of quality outputs
    • Teamwork in a multicultural environment
    • Courage and innovativeness in challenging enemies of the environment,   status quo
    • Values people, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution and management
    • Information management and transfer, sharing of knowledge
    • Planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation

    Functional Skills:

    • Understanding of the political, legal and economic landscape, processes, dynamics in SEA
    • Extensive knowledge of environmental and human rights laws, jurisprudence, regulation, public policies, stakeholders in SEA
    • Political, legal communications skills in all forms
    • Political lobbying, negotiation, advocacy skills/experience in UN, multilateral, bilateral and other policy spaces/processes
    • Legal counseling, representation, litigation practice
    • Political, legal research
    • Campaigning experience, project management
    • Adherence to nonviolence as a means of enacting change
    • Understanding of environmental issues in general and campaign issues and agenda in particular
    • Wide network across the region for potential networking and partnership
    • Public, people management
    • Project management, programme administration
    • Stakeholders, power, constituency, audience analysis

    Preferred Skills:

    • A preference for good communication skills in one of more regional SEA languages other than English. 
      Preference for extensive experience in political economy and progressive political framing of environmental issues
    • Preferred skills include experience in key program areas: policy lobby, public speaking, activist training, strategic planning and organizing people around an issue.
    • Experience in negotiating in multilateral environmental agreements and similar regional platforms

    Greenpeace’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

    Greenpeace values diversity as essential to its mission and success. The organisation fosters an inclusive environment that respects varied cultural experiences and perspectives, promoting solutions rooted in social and environmental justice.

    Deadline for applications: May 30, 2025

    Jobs

    Do you have a passion for this planet and want to do more? Work with us!

    TAKE ACTION

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Uzbek companies seek business opportunities in southwest China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Chongqing, May 26 (Xinhua) — “I didn’t expect to find so many potential partners in Chongqing!” Donior Matnazarov, a businessman in the ceramic granite industry from Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, exclaimed at a recent conference on China (Chongqing) – Uzbekistan (Khorezm region) trade and economic exchange.

    Donior Matnazarov visited Chongqing City /Southwest China/ for the first time. He not only held in-depth talks with a number of local construction material companies, but also discussed cooperation opportunities with electric vehicle charging station manufacturers and cross-border legal service providers.

    The event was attended by representatives of 20 Uzbek enterprises, led by Deputy Governor of Khorezm Region Anvar Davletov. They exchanged views with representatives of nearly 80 Chongqing enterprises on investment and trade needs, areas of potential cooperation and other issues in areas such as agriculture, textiles, food, new energy vehicles and electromechanical equipment.

    According to Anvar Davletov, the Khorezm region is rich in tourism and agricultural resources. Tourism is one of the main sectors of the regional economy. Many projects in such areas as the production of aluminum cans, baby food, compound feed and electric motors are open to Chinese investment.

    “Chongqing closely cooperates with Uzbekistan and has consistently established friendly relations with the Tashkent, Samarkand, Navoi, Syrdarya regions and other regions of this country,” said He Yi, secretary of the party group of the Chongqing City Committee for the Promotion of International Trade and chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce of the same city.

    According to its data, in 2024, the total volume of imports and exports between the two sides amounted to 1.06 billion yuan (about 147.62 million US dollars). At the end of the first quarter of 2025, this figure exceeded 300 million yuan, an increase of 123.5 percent year-on-year.

    As it became known, the mutual visa-free regime between China and Uzbekistan will come into force on June 1, 2025. “We count on further trade and economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges with Chinese enterprises, including Chongqing ones,” Anvar Davletov noted. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China unveils action plan to accelerate development of digital and intelligent supply chains

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) — China has unveiled an action plan to accelerate the development of digital and intelligent supply chains as part of a broader effort to upgrade them.

    The action plan, jointly released by China’s Ministry of Commerce and seven other departments, proposes adopting new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and blockchain to drive the digitalization, intelligence and visualization of supply chains.

    According to the ministry, the plan aims to improve the level of supply chain organization in the agricultural sector, promote the intelligent development of supply chains in the manufacturing industry, strengthen the supply chain integration capacity in the wholesale sector, optimize the supply chain offer in the retail sector, and reduce logistics costs.

    The move comes as the country steps up efforts to improve the system’s health by strengthening the resilience and safety of industrial and supply chains, promoting the deep integration of the real economy and the digital economy, and supporting enterprises in transforming and upgrading traditional industries with digital intelligence technologies.

    The plan aims to establish replicable models for building digital and intelligent supply chains and basically build deeply embedded, intelligent, efficient, self-sufficient and controllable supply chain systems in important manufacturing industries and key areas of the country by 2030.

    The document also envisages cultivating about 100 leading national enterprises in the digital and intelligent supply chain sector by 2030. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: CIC Lyonnaise de Banque -Notice of Early Redemption-(ISIN Code: FR0000047789)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (SEE “DISCLAIMER” BELOW).

    Paris, May, 26th, 2025

    Notice of Early Redemption

    To : (i)      The Noteholders of the below mentioned Notes;
    (ii)      Euronext Paris
    (iii)      Fiscal Agent.

    Dear Sirs,

    CIC Lyonnaise de Banque
    “Titres Participatifs” Variable Rate Notes issued on 28 May 1985 (the ‘’Notes”)

    (ISIN Code: FR0000047789)

    CIC Lyonnaise de Banque is the issuer (the “Issuer’’) of the Notes.

    In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes (the ‘’Conditions’’), the Issuer hereby gives notice that it is exercising in whole its right to redeem the Notes pursuant to the provision Redemption (‘’Remboursement’’) of the Listing Particulars (“Issuer Call Option”) of the Notes.

    We, the Issuer, instruct you as Fiscal Agent, to authorise the French Central Securities Depository to cancel the Notes redeemed on 30 June, 2025 (“Early Redemption Date”).

    For the purposes of the Issuer Call:

    (i) the Issuer Call Date will be 30 June, 2025; and
    (ii) the Optional Redemption Amount(s) or Early Redemption Amount excluding accrued interest is: EUR 300.68 per Denomination.

    Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalised terms used in this notice shall have the meaning given to them in the Listing Particulars (‘’Note d’Information’’) dated 1st June, 1985, as applicable, relating to the Notes.

    Yours faithfully,

    For and on behalf of

    CIC Lyonnaise de Banque

    By:

    Duly authorised

    DISCLAIMER
    This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, the Instruments in the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan or in any other jurisdiction, including France. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves and observe any such restrictions. No communication may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction in which registration or approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction where such action would be required; CIC Lyonnaise de Banque disclaims any liability for any violation by any person of such restrictions.

    Contacts
    Corporate Communications and Press Relations Department: +33 (0)1 53 48 26 00 – compresse@cic.fr
    Investor Relations: bfcm-web@creditmutuel.fr

    About CIC Lyonnaise de Banque

    A leading bank in the South-Eastern quarter of France, CIC Lyonnaise de Banque has a network of nearly 300 branches and 3,000 employees for its 1.3 million customers. To meet the needs of all economic players and to build a constantly performing offer on a daily basis, he combines the professions of finance, insurance, telephony and advanced technological services with a great financial strength reinforced by CIC Group and the Group parent company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. More information on CIC.fr

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini, Mistral AI and SAP combine forces to offer secure, scalable gen AI-powered solutions for regulated industries

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Antara Nandy
    Tel.:+ 91 9674515119
    E-mail: antara.nandy@capgemini.com

    Capgemini, Mistral AI and SAP combine forces to offer secure,
    scalable gen AI-powered solutions for regulated industries

    Paris, May 26 2025 – Capgemini today announced an expansion of its strategic partnership with Mistral AI, a leader in innovative AI model development, and SAP, to help drive growth for regulated organizations by transforming operations and improving business outcomes, through a broad range of AI models. This unique collaboration provides a trusted and secure environment to deploy custom AI solutions within SAP for those industries with strict data requirements such as financial services, public sector, aerospace & defense, and energy & utilities. Leveraging Mistral AI’s revolutionary generative AI (gen AI) models and the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), Capgemini aims to develop multiple easily accessible business AI use cases, with a lower carbon footprint.

    Enterprises are increasingly turning to business AI to optimize processes and decision-making, while integrating generative AI to drive greater business value. This combination enables organizations to increase resilience by simulating scenarios, preparing response plans for crises, and quickly adapting to market changes. These technologies also help organizations gain a significant competitive edge, differentiating themselves through more personalized customer experiences, adapting their supply chain to high personalization, and enriching products with high value digital services. By leveraging AI, organizations can achieve both top and bottom-line improvements across numerous functional areas. Moreover, organizations in regulated industries or those handling sensitive data often find it challenging to access these benefits. They require advanced generative AI models that operate within a secure environment such as the self-hosted SAP Business Technology Platform.

    As part of this new collaboration, Capgemini will offer an extensive library of 50+ pre-built custom business AI use cases, including those validated by SAP, leveraging Mistral AI models. These are categorized by a specific industry and process-driven approach. The solutions are grounded in responsible and ethical AI by design, with built-in governance and alignment with regulations, enabling innovation while also ensuring data security. Example use cases include:

    • Aerospace and Defense: Augmented field workers that can efficiently resolve non-conformities in operations.
    • Energy and Utilities: Drone based inspection that enables predictive maintenance and generates actionable insights
    • Across industries: Intelligent indirect purchasing that helps to easily and quickly select the most convenient products from multiple suppliers.

    This collaboration offers dual benefits – it accelerates the deployment of custom generative AI solutions within SAP for all organizations and enables those organizations requiring secure environments for regulatory or privacy purposes to leverage generative AI solutions.

    “This new collaboration between Capgemini, Mistral AI and SAP unlocks new high-value business use cases for organizations seeking to augment their operations with generative AI capabilities,” said Marjorie Janiewicz, Mistral AI Executive Board member and Global Head of Revenue. “By combining our frontier, multilingual and highly customizable AI models with Capgemini’s expertise in delivering real world industry-specific generative AI solutions, and the assurance of SAP’s robust technology platform, we are making the effective integration of AI more accessible for all organizations, including those in highly regulated industries.”

    “Enterprises are increasingly turning to generative AI to enhance their resilience, streamline operations and accelerate time to value. As a trusted business and technology transformation partner to our clients, Capgemini is committed to helping them evolve their critical business processes through the secure and tailored application of AI,” said Fernando Alvarez, Chief Strategy and Development Officer and Group Executive Board member at Capgemini. “Together with Mistral AI and SAP, we can empower organizations to access a broad range of innovative and customized AI models, to drive significant business value and foster sustainable growth.”

    “The collaboration is a powerful example of how we are enabling enterprises to leverage the power of generative AI to address their most critical business challenges,” said Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE, Customer Services & Delivery. “With SAP Business Technology Platform as a secure and scalable foundation, we’re enabling organizations, especially those in regulated industries, to adopt AI with confidence, trust, and speed in a way that delivers real business value.”

    Capgemini has worked closely with SAP on further expanding its dedicated Global SAP Center of Excellence to help organizations address their critical business challenges using gen AI. For example, the partners have worked with Brose, a leading automotive supplier, to deliver an AI-powered assistant for suppliers – SupplierGPT. This centralized digital platform helped enhance collaboration across Brose’s global supplier network, leading to increased efficiency in supplier onboarding and more consistent process execution.

    Michael Seifert, Business Product Owner Brose Supplier Portal, Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. KG said, “Together with Capgemini, we were able to implement SupplierGPT, from idea to reality within a few weeks. This solution enables the seamless integration of new innovations and supports rapid go-to-market, thanks to the AI services in SAP BTP. This co-innovation model combines the expertise of Capgemini, Brose and SAP to allow joint pilots to be designed, implemented, and tested quickly.”

    Award-winning AI solutions
    Capgemini recently won the 2025 SAP Pinnacle Award for Business AI Innovation in the Customer AI use case category, further demonstrating its leadership in delivering compelling AI-powered solutions with SAP. This award is part of SAP’s global partner recognition program, which highlights its partners worldwide who demonstrate exceptional performance and innovation.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.   

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Funding terror: how west Africa’s deadly jihadists get the money they need to survive

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Egodi Uchendu, Professor (of History and International Studies), University of Nigeria

    The west Africa–Sahel region has seen a proliferation of militant Islamist groups since the 1990s.

    One of the most vicious groups operating in the region is Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (Support Group for Islam and Muslims). The militant group emerged in 2017 in Algeria and Mali, and has targeted civilian populations.

    The UN listed the group as an al-Qaeda affiliate in 2018. Al-Qaeda is an Islamist organisation founded by Osama bin Laden in the 1980s.

    The 2024 global terrorism index listed Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorist organisations. Its influence has expanded in most parts of the Sahel. The group emerged to strengthen the jihadist insurgency under al-Qaeda. It combines violence with diplomacy to expand its influence and challenge state authorities.

    Despite growing pressure from counter militancy campaigns spearheaded by local, regional and international militaries, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin continues to survive and adapt by regrouping and reorganising. This was demonstrated in its latest operation in Burkina Faso in 2024. The group exerted significant control by closing schools, setting up taxation checkpoints and abducting locals.

    Its engagement in illicit economies has been key to the group’s successful expansion. This revenue is used to carry out devastating attacks.

    We research jihadi-based insurgencies, and have found that this is a common tactic among terrorist groups in the west Africa-Sahel axis, including Boko Haram militants.

    From our research, we find that Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin funds its activities by relying on

    • artisanal mining

    • kidnapping

    • livestock theft

    • money laundering.

    Dismantling the group’s illicit economies and blocking its financial flows are key to countering its activities.

    Financial resources

    The group needs money for fighting, and to sustain political and social influence in its areas of operation.

    Artisanal gold mining has proven to be a major factor in its expansion and resilience. In areas where the group exerts influence, illicit gold mining generates over US$30 billion annually. According to a report by Swissaid, a development group based in Switzerland, the main destinations for this gold are the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Switzerland.

    The jihadists gain access to gold by controlling mining sites and transport routes to and from mines. They sometimes allow trusted allies, who include local armed groups, bandits and other criminal networks, to mine in exchange for a payout. The extent of gold mining funds is not exactly known, but the artisanal sites in areas controlled by the group have the capacity to produce 725 kilograms of gold per year, valued at US$34 million.

    Read more: West Africa could soon have a jihadist state – here’s why

    Another source of income – and political influence – is kidnapping for ransom. Kidnap victims include cattle owners, businessmen, state officials and foreigners. The group received a ₤30 million ransom in 2020 to release one French and two Italian hostages. Between 2017 and 2023, the group and its affiliated units were responsible for 845 out of approximately 1,100 recorded kidnappings in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Burkina Faso and Mali remain the epicentre of the group’s violent activities. In the first quarter of 2023, over 180 cases of kidnapping were recorded in these countries’ war-torn areas.

    Livestock theft has also been a critical source of funds. The practice of livestock theft as economic warfare and a means to generate funds has led to livestock being forcibly taken from herders who fail to pay zakat (a religious fee among Muslims) or subscribe to the group’s ideology. The stolen livestock are sold in Mali, Mauritania or Senegal. The ability to monetise stolen livestock makes their theft a cornerstone of the Sahelian war economy and a source of cash for weapons and vehicles.

    Money laundering is another illicit economy central to the militant group’s financing. It lends money to merchants, invests with banks and funds small shops with the aim of getting profits. This helps ensure a constant flow of money and provisions to support the group’s terrorist acts. It has attached much importance to this illicit economy, to the extent of assassinating those who interfere with its investments.

    Way out

    To cut down Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin’s financial base – and thereby weaken its capacity for militancy – counterinsurgency efforts need to take the following actions.

    • Government security actors should collaborate with local self-defence militias to regulate artisanal mining and thwart kidnappings.

    • Financial intelligence units need to identify merchants who receive money from the militant group to block the flow of illicit funds.

    Read more: Jihadism and coups in West Africa’s Sahel region: a complex relationship

    • Specialised courts that deal with money laundering and terrorism financing cases should be established and made operational in Burkina Faso and Mali, the epicentres of the group’s activities.

    • Burkina Faso and Mali should increase security around civilians to minimise civilian casualties from terror operations.

    Since finance is the basis of the militant group’s strength, regional security co-operation should be strengthened. This would help with systematically tracking illicit flows and stopping them.

    – Funding terror: how west Africa’s deadly jihadists get the money they need to survive
    – https://theconversation.com/funding-terror-how-west-africas-deadly-jihadists-get-the-money-they-need-to-survive-242306

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Job Opening: Regional Security Manager

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    This is a full-time fixed-term position based in either Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. Candidates who have the legal right to work and live in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are encouraged to apply.

    FILE PHOTO: Greenpeace Philippines activists join the communities and civil society at the University of the Philippines, Quezon City in commemorating Independence Day in a peaceful solidarity activity to call on the government to scrap the proposed anti-terrorism bill. © Greenpeace / Grace Duran-Cabus

    About the Role

    Greenpeace Southeast Asia (GPSEA) takes bold, non-violent action to challenge power and create a more just, peaceful, and green future. Operating in complex and often high-risk environments, Greenpeace must ensure that our people, projects, and operations are safe, resilient, and empowered to push boundaries.

    The Regional Security Manager, will lead the development and implementation of a strong security culture and systems across all GPSEA offices and projects. He/she will provide expert advice, tools, and support to enable safe and smart risk-taking in our campaigning and engagement work ensuring that security is not a barrier to impact, but an enabler of it. This role oversees the organization’s security strategy, policies, and protocols, while also managing critical incident systems and supporting frontline staff, volunteers, and activists. This will work closely with departments across the organization to integrate security into operations, HR, actions, and campaigns, and build regional capacity for resilience and preparedness. The Regional Security Manager will ensure that Greenpeace can operate effectively and ethically in Southeast Asia’s fast-changing political and environmental landscape.

    Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Create an enabling Security Culture that continues to push boundaries, through regular staff updates, familiarization, training and integration.
    • Design and oversee a fit-for-purpose GPSEA Security System with approval processes.
    • Provide strategic advice on enhancing acceptance and resilience as a civil society actor, including the liaison with other NGOs
    • Policy and protocol development as related to safety, security, risk management and Duty of Care (employer responsibilities), including Standard Operating Procedures.
    • Arranging delivery of periodic and as-required security training.
    • Support and advice on the resolution of critical incident situations locally and regionally (on call).
    • Facilitate and strengthen our legal support system to ease smart risk taking, in line with GP Best Practices.
    • Other duties as directed by the line manager.
    • Close consultation with campaigns, actions and logistics, communications, fundraising and management staff on Smart Risk taking in projects.
    • Closely collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure Security integration into organizational processes and the GPSEA project model, from HR to Programmes.
    • Oversee and facilitate the regional security practitioners and build capacity to meet the need of the organization.
    • Closely collaborate with HR and Public Engagement and Actions to ensure GP Duty of Care Best Practices are in place for staff, contractors, volunteers and activists.
    • Manage the regional Security team adequately and ensure appropriate team capacity deployment projects.
    • Assist in the sign off and approval on campaign & communications materials, tactics and strategies that may influence security risk levels.
    • Liaise with Human Resources and Legal to ensure Greenpeace compliance with national legislation’s in Security, Health and Safety matters.
    • Liaison with GPI and other NROs on security management to ensure consistent best-practice across our global organization.
    • Manage security external contractors, including office security, specific project security and trainers.
    • Production, review and updating of all offices and projects standard operating procedures (SOPs).
    • Oversee and ensure the implementation of Security systems through monitoring, project integration and trainings.
    • Oversee, maintain and improve our Critical Incident Management Systems including a 24/7 hotline.
    • Coordinate Security and Safety induction process for new joiners across GPSEA with HR.
    • Responsibly manage the security budget and maintain secure filing system.
    • Advice and support project risk assessments, security and duty of care plans.
    • Oversight of incident reporting processes across the organization.
    • Maintain and further improve the travel security & monitoring system.
    • Advise on and ensure Site Security at our Greenpeace locations, in coordination with Administration
    • Provide up-to-date political, societal context analysis for our operating countries.
    • Overall budgetary responsibility and management of the finances for the Regional Security Unit.

    Skills and Experience Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s Degree in field of Management or with security management background preferred.
    • Proven professional training in security management or a related field or comparable work experience/certification.
    • At least 3 years working in a non-profit, campaigning organization.
    • At least 3 years of supervisory/management experience.
    • At least 5 years of experience delivering security and emergency plans and risk analysis including: physical security management; crisis; occupational health and safety; field security; and travel.

    Functional Skills:

    • Knowledge and/or experience in understanding of security and cultural issues in GPSEA operating countries.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in training, mentoring and developing staff on security issues.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in crisis management.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in developing and managing security and safety risk assessment.
    • Demonstrable understanding of security and risk management appropriate to the values and practices of Greenpeace.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in conducting security threat/risk/impact assessments and reporting.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in conducting security incident investigation and reporting.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in training personnel in general security protocols.
    • Strong skills in written and spoken English (required).
    • Knowledge and/or experience in planning, facilitating and conducting meetings or workshops.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in project management and administration.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in strategic alignment and setting the direction of unit’s project organizational objectives.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in budgeting and forecasting.

    Organizational Competencies:

    • Professionalism: Knowledge and/or experience in managing conduct and emotions in a way that represents the values and realizes the objectives of the organization.
    • Strategic Thinking & Global Mindset: Knowledge and/or experience in addressing organizational objectives by developing calculated approaches that integrate an openness to and awareness of diversity across cultures.
    • Teamwork & Communication: Knowledge and/or experience in working with others and presenting information, ideas, and positions in a clear manner that can easily be understood across diverse and multi-cultural audiences.
    • Innovation & Change: Knowledge and/or experience in reflecting creative and imaginative thinking, an openness to new ideas, and an ability to take calculated risks in order to meet organizational objectives.
    • Leadership: Knowledge and/or experience in guiding and directing the efforts of others in pursuit of clear objectives, including delegating responsibilities and providing consistent support.

    Specific Work Environment:

    • Good command in English is required.
    • Sensitive to the socio-economic cultural environment of Southeast Asia. This position requires the employee to have a flexible approach and the ability to adapt and work in different and challenging work and cultural environments, which may include flexible arrangements in working in challenging fields and work environments.

    Greenpeace’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

    Greenpeace values diversity as essential to its mission and success. The organisation fosters an inclusive environment that respects varied cultural experiences and perspectives, promoting solutions rooted in social and environmental justice.

    Deadline for applications: June 6, 2025

    Jobs

    Do you have a passion for this planet and want to do more? Work with us!

    TAKE ACTION

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ATO announces additional support for new small business owners

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced it is providing additional support for new small business owners to ensure they understand and comply with their tax, super and registry obligations from the start.

    The ATO’s campaign, coined ‘ready for business’, highlights that opening and running a small business is ‘serious business’. Approximately 50% of businesses fail in the first 3 yearsExternal Link, often because they don’t get their ATO obligations right when starting their small business journey.

    In the coming months, Australian business number (ABN) holders will receive a series of emails from the ATO which include tips on ABN obligations, business structures, registering for goods and services tax (GST) and understanding employer responsibilities.

    The ATO knows while most small businesses try to do the right thing and comply with their ATO obligations there are some making genuine mistakes and others deliberately not complying.

    Don’t get caught out by GST

    GST registration and payment is an ongoing area of concern for the ATO. The ATO estimates that the community is missing out on almost $8 billion in GST each year that hasn’t been collected due to non-compliance. Small businesses failing to comply with GST obligations contribute significantly to this gap.

    Not every small business needs to be registered for GST, but when their GST turnover is $75,000 or more or when they provide taxi, limousine or ride-sourcing services they must register and collect GST and then pay this to the ATO.

    Small businesses who don’t understand their GST obligations can often be caught out when it comes time to pay.

    ATO Deputy Commissioner Will Day encouraged small businesses to set aside GST, as well as pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and super if they have employer obligations.

    ‘Don’t be tempted to dip into GST, PAYG withholding or super to manage your cash flow – set up separate bank accounts for these funds so you’re always prepared when it’s time to pay’, Mr Day said.

    In early 2025, the ATO wrote to ride-sourcing operators and taxi drivers announcing it was focussed on those operating outside the system. This action resulted in over 3,000 new GST registrations.

    ‘Ride-sourcing operators and taxi drivers who deliberately operate outside the system will face consequences’, Mr Day said.

    Side hustles in the spotlight

    Over 700,000 taxpayers are supplementing their income with ‘side hustles’ including ‘gig’ or sharing economy activities. If your hobby has turned into a profit-making business, you are responsible for certain tax, super and registry obligations.

    ‘Generally, a business involves continuous and repeated activities aimed at making a profit. Visit ato.gov.au/areyouinbusiness to learn more about whether your activities qualify as a business and understand your obligations,’ Mr Day said.

    Plan ahead with PAYG instalments

    The ATO is also encouraging new small businesses to plan ahead to avoid a large tax bill when they lodge their first tax return.

    To prevent this, new small business owners can voluntarily enter and prepay their estimated tax liability through PAYG instalments as soon as they start their business.

    Quotes attributable to Deputy Commissioner Will Day:

    ‘Our goal is to provide small businesses with guidance, tools and tips so new business owners can focus on growing their business with confidence’.

    ‘Small businesses are vital participants in the tax and super system. As stewards for small businesses, our role in making it easy for small business owners to get their tax and super right is more important than ever.’

    ‘We know that successful small business owners understand their tax, super and registry obligations and we are committed to helping them do so. We also know that small businesses who engage a registered tax professional are more likely to stay on top of their tax and super obligations’.

    ‘Through transparent communication, including the support we have available for small businesses, small business owners are better equipped to keep up with their obligations and stay on top of their tax payments. After all, small business is serious business.’

    ‘The ATO’s role is to collect the correct amount of tax so the government can deliver services for the Australian community’.

    Notes to journalists

    • Deputy Commissioner Will Day’s speech to the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) National Congress 2024 launched ‘Getting it right’, an ongoing quarterly campaign which aims to support small businesses by sharing the ATO’s areas of focus. Deputy Commissioner Will Day’s speech announced the quarter 2 focus areas and the quarter 3 focus areas were announced in the ATO shifts non-compliant small businesses to monthly GST media release.
    • Ensuring new small business owners get their ATO obligations right is the next ‘cab off the rank’ for the ATO’s ongoing ‘Getting it right’ campaign. The ATO will continue to announce new focus areas quarterly.
    • Deputy Commissioner Will Day is available for interviews on request.
    • A high-resolution headshot of Deputy Commissioner Will DayThis link will download a file is available for download from our media centre.
    • ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: More traffic expected for Mt Wellington, NZTA and AT plans in full swing

    Source: Auckland Transport

    Date: 13 May 2025

    Auckland Transport (AT) and the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are collaborating to tackle congestion in Mt Wellington.

    AT is planning to create new transit and heavy vehicle lanes on two major roads that feed vehicles to and from State Highway 1 (SH1) in the afternoon and is now seeking public feedback on the proposal.

    The lanes will make travel quicker and more reliable for delivery vehicles, buses, and people carpooling, says AT’s Road Network Optimisation Manager Chris Martin.

    “Our analysis shows that 11 percent of vehicles moving through here are heavy vehicles or trucks carrying goods, which is higher than normal in Auckland. It would be fantastic to get these vehicles that are essential to our economy out of traffic and moving more efficiently.”

    “On Sylvia Park Road, the road is wide enough for us to add another lane, but this will require painting broken yellow lines on the other side of the road so that one or two parked cars don’t block the road for everyone else,” he says.

    “On Mt Wellington Highway, we are at the point where we need to reallocate the lanes on both sides, so that we can improve productivity and essentially move more people through the same road space.

    “These roads are already very busy with more people living and working in the area. We expect these roads to get busier once IKEA opens, so we’re planning now to get ahead of the congestion crunch,” Mr Martin says.

    AT’s proposals will link existing transit lanes on Great South Road and Atkinson Road and tie in with NZTA’s work.

    NZTA is currently making changes to improve the traffic flow onto the motorway and reduce congestion at the Mt Wellington Highway interchange. The improvements include expanding the current two-lane onramp into three lanes on the southbound approach to SH1 as well as converting the existing give-way controlled left turning southbound slip lane into a signalised pedestrian crossing.  This will allow three lanes of traffic on the on-ramp to reduce the number of vehicles queueing on this busy road.

    The motorway improvements will ensure that unless a pedestrian wants to cross the road, the slip lane will aways be green to allow a free-flowing left turn, plus a third on-ramp lane will let vehicle movement to continue even when double lane traffic is turning right from the south.

    Auckland System Management (ASM) began construction works on the motorway improvements last month.

    “The project’s primary goal is to ease congestion at the Mt Wellington Highway interchange, particularly for those heading south to the SH1 motorway and improve pedestrian safety,” says Paul Geck, Alliance Manager, ASM.

    Both AT and NZTA’s plans are designed to be implemented quickly for the 20,000 plus vehicles that use these roads daily. NZTA’s works are taking place at night and are expected to be complete in July 2025. 

    Ward Councillor Josephine Bartley is encouraging people to tell AT what they think of the proposal.

    “AT’s job is to make the road network as efficient as possible. It’s good to see that AT and NZTA are working on this together and I am cautiously optimistic that this will help everyone spend less time in traffic in the evening. 

    “If you live in the area, work in the area, or travel through the area, take a look at what’s proposed and consider how it could improve the local road ecosystem,” she says.

    Feedback is open on AT’s proposed changes for Keeping Mt Wellington Moving at haveyoursay.at.govt.nz until 8 June 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Delivers A Knockout Experience: VIP Access to Karate Combat’s KC54 Dubai UFC Fight

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, brought the heat to Token2049 with an exclusive ringside experience at Karate Combat KC54 in Dubai on May 2nd. Think high-octane strikes, VIP treatment, and a night so wild, even the blockchain felt the impact.

    This year, Bitget raised the stakes by offering a premium experience that put crypto enthusiasts right at the heart of the action. Bitget’s esteemed VIPs witnessed world-class fighters trade blows while enjoying gourmet food and premium beverages in an exclusive VIP section reserved just for Bitget’s key opinion leaders and special guests.

    With a crowd of 4,000-5,000 roaring fight fans, the energy in Dubai’s premier venue was electric. Bitget COO Vugar Usi Zade perfectly captured the spirit of the event: “Crypto trading and combat sports demand the same qualities—quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and nerves of steel. We’re thrilled to give our community this exclusive opportunity to experience world-class competition up close. Whether you’re analyzing charts or analyzing fight techniques, this is where champions are made.”

    Robert Bryan, CEO of Karate Combat, remarked, “KC54 marked a significant milestone in our journey, and having Bitget as a sponsor amplified our commitment to innovation in combat sports. Their support helped us deliver an unforgettable experience that blended tradition with cutting-edge technology.

    Asim Zaidi, President of Karate Combat, also added, “Partnering with Bitget for KC54 was a game-changer. Their involvement not only elevated the event’s profile but also underscored the synergy between martial arts and the evolving digital landscape.”

    The event marked another strategic partnership for Bitget in the combat sports world, following their successful collaborations with professional combat athletes such as Wrestling World Champion, Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu, and Boxing Gold Medalist Samet Gümüş (Boxing). By creating these exclusive live experiences, Bitget continues to build meaningful connections between the crypto community and high-profile sporting events.

    Jyotsna Hirdyani, Bitget’s South Asia head, who orchestrated the event, shared insights. “This is the future. From blockchain to sports, crypto is changing the game forever. This is what happens when sports & entertainment meet blockchain technology. It’s a cultural shift where you will see more & more cross-plays of sports x crypto, the ultimate cross-over.”

    This partnership underscores Bitget’s commitment to delivering unique, high-value experiences to its community. Just as in trading, timing is everything, and May 2nd in Dubai was when crypto met combat in what turned out to be an unforgettable showdown. Bitget’s focus remains on creating tangible value for the crypto community beyond digital interfaces.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    About Karate

    Karate Combat is the world’s premier full-contact karate league, renowned for its innovative approach to combat sports entertainment. Known for its distinctive, fast-paced fighting style – essentially MMA without ground fighting, Karate Combat delivers high-energy bouts, with nearly half ending in knockouts. With over 7 million followers, hundreds of millions of views monthly, and over 100,000 active app users, Karate Combat is at the forefront of blending sports, technology community-driven experiences.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c42afdf6-d6ba-4c86-9956-11a55ab53e57

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7491be04-23bb-4a08-adea-298413bc3465

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/11cf807e-3ef9-44f5-8645-11265a51e617

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b65cc5e-9dd9-4842-9b2c-cb12d08b16d6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SAR 423 Billion in Foreign Investments: Saudi Arabia Launches Offshore Securities Business License

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Over the past decade, the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) has methodically advanced the Kingdom’s capital market reforms, gradually opening its financial markets to international investors. This transformation has attracted substantial global institutional interest, with foreign holdings reaching approximately SAR 423 billion by the end of 2024. The recent introduction of the Offshore Securities Business License underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to establish itself as a leading regional and global financial center.

    The QFI program in 2015 was the first program to provide direct access into Saudi markets for foreign investors. Prior to the QFI program, foreign investors could only access Saudi equities through swap arrangements, once foreign institutions qualified as QFIs, the program created a direct way for foreign institutions to transact in the Saudi market, further expanding the overall market access.

    Since then, the CMA has gradually dismantled many of the restrictions that once limited foreign participation. In 2018, asset thresholds for QFI eligibility were lowered, per-investor ownership caps were raised from 5 to 10 percent, and the pool of eligible investors was expanded.

    Also, improvements to corporate governance, financial disclosure, and market infrastructure made Saudi Arabia’s capital market more transparent and credible. These reforms helped the Kingdom secure inclusion in the MSCI and FTSE Russell emerging market indices in 2019, a development that catalyzed massive capital inflows.

    The impact was instant, QFI owned SAR 13.7 billion in Saudi market in 2018. That figure increased to SAR 134.48 billion in 2019, coinciding with index inclusion. By the end of 2024, foreign investors held about SAR 423 billion in equities—up from around SAR 86 billion just six years earlier.

    Beyond these broad reforms, the CMA has continued to refine foreign access. In January 2025, it published a landmark rule change permitting foreign ownership in Saudi-listed companies that own real estate assets in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Previously, such ownership was prohibited due to restrictions on property in the two cities. Under the new regulation, non-Saudi investors—whether individuals or institutions—can now own up to 49% jointly of shares or convertible debt in these companies.

    The CMA also recently published a framework for a new offshore license, intended to allow financial institutions to conduct securities business through a regional headquarters. While still pending implementation, this initiative aims to position the Kingdom as a regional and global financial hub for securities.

    This Offshore Securities Business License will enable licensed institutions to carry out securities activities, as well as manage investment funds that invest in securities within the Kingdom. These services may be provided to foreign clients outside the Kingdom, in addition to a specified category of local clients.

    Additionally, the license will allow its holder to invest in the Saudi capital market without the need to meet the qualification requirements typically imposed on qualified foreign investors. In addition, this license will enable its holder the access to a broader client base, including transactions with sovereign investment funds such as the Public Investment Fund, which manages over SAR 3.5 trillion in assets in 2024, as well as pension funds within the Kingdom.

    The offshore licensees and structure also present other benefits to developing and establishing private investment funds in Saudi Arabia. Offshore licensees will have flexible contractual terms as they will focus on addressing a complex and sophisticated investment needs.

    Taken together, these reforms represent one of the most comprehensive efforts among emerging markets to integrate with global capital flows. The CMA’s approach—measured, regulatory-driven, and clearly aligned with Vision 2030—has generated confidence among international investors. While challenges remain, particularly in implementation and investor onboarding processes, the trajectory is clear. Saudi Arabia is building a market that not only attracts foreign capital, but retains it through stability, structure, and institutional trust. As the offshore licensing regime moves toward activation, it stands as the latest signal that the Kingdom’s financial sector is not just open—it is competing.

    Contact:
    Capital Market Authority
    Communication & Investor Protection Division
    +966114906009
    +966557666932
    Media@cma.org.sa 
    www.cma.org.sa 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: External merchandise trade statistics for April 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    External merchandise trade statistics for April 2025 
    In April 2025, the value of total exports of goods increased by 14.7% over a year earlier to $434.5 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 18.5% in March 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 15.8% over a year earlier to $450.5 billion in April 2025, after a year-on-year increase by 16.6% in March 2025. A visible trade deficit of $16.0 billion, equivalent to 3.6% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in April 2025.
     
    For the first four months of 2025 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 11.9% over the same period in 2024. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 11.4%. A visible trade deficit of $96.9 billion, equivalent to 5.7% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first four months of 2025.
     
    Comparing the three-month period ending April 2025 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 13.8%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 12.6%.
     
    Analysis by country/territory
     
    Comparing April 2025 with April 2024, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 20.8%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Malaysia (+61.5%), Vietnam (+48.3%), Taiwan (+24.1%), the mainland of China (the Mainland) (+23.0%) and India (+22.5%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to Korea (-26.7%).
     
    Apart from destinations in Asia, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the Netherlands (-38.4%) and the United Kingdom (-24.1%). On the other hand, an increase was recorded in the value of total exports to Germany (+30.8%).
     
    Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+107.3%), the United Kingdom (+59.5%), Taiwan (+50.6%) and the Mainland (+14.8%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-21.3%).
     
    For the first four months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+63.7%), Taiwan (+36.3%) and the Mainland (+18.1%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to the United Arab Emirates (-28.6%).
     
    Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+78.9%), the United Kingdom (+57.9%), Taiwan (+53.1%), Malaysia (+35.8%) and the Mainland (+6.9%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-23.0%).
     
    Analysis by major commodity
     
    Comparing April 2025 with April 2024, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $33.5 billion or +18.7%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $19.5 billion or +46.0%).
     
    Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $29.9 billion or +16.8%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $19.5 billion or +67.1%).
     
    For the first four months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $106.2 billion or +72.1%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $76.4 billion or +11.2%).
     
    Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $94.2 billion or +84.7%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $82.4 billion or +12.3%).
     
    Commentary
     
    A Government spokesman said that the value of merchandise exports grew visibly by 14.7% in April over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland and many other Asian markets grew visibly. Exports to the United States rose marginally, while exports to the European Union fell.
     
    Looking ahead, as international trade tensions have eased somewhat of late, the headwinds and uncertainties in the external environment have lessened to some extent. The sustained steady growth in the Mainland economy, together with Hong Kong’s proactive efforts in enhancing economic and trade ties with different markets, should help buttress trade performance. The Government will continue to closely monitor changes in the external environment and stay vigilant to the potential impacts brought about by shifts in trade policies.
     
    Further information
     
    Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for April 2025. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2022 to April 2025, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.
     
    The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for April 2025 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.
     
    Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for April 2025.
     
    All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for April 2025 will be released in mid-June 2025.
     
    The April 2025 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in April 2025 and will be available in early June 2025. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230 
    Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4691).
    Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New book about Polytechnic heroes: from T-34 to Operation Berezino

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The TASS press center hosted a presentation of the book “Polytechnic. Fortitude. 1941-1945.” The author, leading specialist of the SPbPU History Museum Alexander Kobyshev, and the vice-rector for youth policy and communication technologies at SPbPU Maxim Pasholikov told journalists about the new edition, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    “The book ‘Polytechnic. Fortitude. 1941-1945’ is just one example of how the Polytechnic University preserves the memory of the Great Patriotic War,” began Maxim Pasholikov. “Back in 2004, students created the military-historical club ‘Our Polytechnic’, began studying archival documents, organizing search watches, hikes to battle sites, excursions and much more. In May, in Karelia, where the Polytechnicians fought in 1941, the military-patriotic rally ‘Syandeba. Connection of Generations’ was held for the twentieth time. For many years, students have been restoring the names of fallen soldiers, searching for personal files, and collecting them in an electronic Book of Memory. Last year, it was printed for the first time. And the new edition “Polytech. Fortitude. 1941–1945” continues the study of unknown pages in the history of our university.”

    The book “Polytechnic. Fortitude. 1941-1945” consists of two parts. The first describes the activities of the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute named after M. I. Kalinin during the Great Patriotic War – both in Leningrad and in evacuation, in Pyatigorsk and Tashkent. The second part is dedicated to the contribution of polytechnicians to the creation of the weapons of Victory. In addition to the already known names, readers will learn for the first time about more than 120 graduates of the institute who worked at the main defense enterprises and in intelligence.

    “Our task was to show the history of the institute as a whole and its influence on the course of World War II,” emphasized Alexander Kobyshev. “Probably, everyone has seen the “Weapons of Victory” coins issued by the Central Bank. Eight of the nineteen coins depict weapons developed by polytechnicians.”

    The famous T-34 tank was designed by Mikhail Koshkin, a graduate of the institute. Ivan Bushnev participated in the creation of the T-50 light tank, and the names of Nikolai Dukhov and Zhores Kotin are associated with the production of the KV-1, KV-2, IS-1, IS-2, and IS-3 heavy tanks. Polytechnicians also contributed to aviation. The first fighters were designed by Nikolai Polikarpov, seaplanes by Georgy Beriev, and combat gliders that delivered weapons and food were designed by Oleg Antonov.

    Vladimir Tsimbalin created a device to protect pilots from overloads in flight, Mikhail Berezina participated in the creation of aircraft guns. Yuri Baimakov came up with a technology for producing an alloy for fuses of Molotov cocktails. Fyodor Petrov developed the M-30 howitzer. During the war, every second mortar was made from pipes of the Nikopol South Pipe Metallurgical Plant, the evacuation of which to Pervouralsk was led by the director, a graduate of the metallurgical faculty of the Polytechnic University, Alexey Astakhov.

    “Almost all artillery is the result of the work of Polytechnic graduates: anti-aircraft guns, divisional guns, anti-tank guns, small artillery, mortars,” listed Alexander Kobyshev. “The Degtyarev anti-tank rifle is named after the bureau, but was developed by the group of Polytechnician Alexander Dementyev. The gas generator for the famous GAZ-AA truck was made by our graduate student and engineer Volodin. And the director of GAZ was our graduate Loskutov, who replaced the previous graduate, who, unfortunately, was arrested and died during the repressions. We provide a list of these people and a list of the factories where they worked. For us, this became a new understanding of the contribution of Polytechnicians to the Great Victory.”

    The book names 11 Polytechnicians who were Heroes of the Soviet Union, who received this title from 1941 to 1945. Among them is Marshal Leonid Govorov, a former Polytechnic student who was mobilized into the Russian Imperial Army during the First World War.

    The final chapter of the book is called “Behind the Front Lines” and is dedicated to intelligence officers.

    “The name of the first of them is well known – this is Hero of the Soviet Union Viktor Lyagin,” said Alexander Kobyshev. “We learned about the second one recently, this is a graduate of the electromechanical faculty, Alexander Demyanov. He was a double agent: the Germans called him Max, and ours – Heine. He led a radio game, thanks to which significant parts of the Wehrmacht were not transferred to Stalingrad, and we were able to win this decisive battle. After that, our graduate continued working in Operation Berezino in Belarus, for which Heine was awarded the Order of the Red Star, and Max received the Iron Cross with Swords. German intelligence officers highly valued him for the disinformation he supplied them with.”

    Aleksandr Nikolaevich shared a few more interesting facts about people who studied at the Polytechnic at different times. Thus, Marceli Porowski, a graduate of the economics department, fought during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 and was the president of Warsaw. Nikolai Novik, a future member of the French Resistance, who was awarded the French Military Cross and the Order of the Legion of Honor, studied at the same economics department.

    Many archives are being declassified now, and every year we learn something new. I hope that students will join this work, and the chronicle of our university will be replenished, – Maxim Pasholikov summed up.

    “Polytechnic. Fortitude. 1941-1945” is the fourth book in the series of historical works by Alexander Kobyshev. The first, “Polytechnic. Beginning. 1899-1917”, was published for the 125th anniversary of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University in a print run of 500 copies. All subsequent volumes were published in print runs of 200. As Alexander Nikolaevich said at a press conference, a total of seven books are planned. The fifth will cover the period from 1946 to 1960, the sixth – from 1960 to 1990, and the seventh – from 1990 to the present day.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: FMA confirms fintech sandbox participants

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release  
    MR No. 2025 – 12 

    The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko has announced the six fintech firms who will be testing their innovative products, services or business models in the FMA’s pilot regulatory sandbox.  

    The successful fintech firms are: 

    Fintech firm Details on their intentions
    ECDD Holdings Limited ECDD Holdings Limited (part of the exchange service Easy Crypto) intends to launch a yield bearing NZD-backed stablecoin and to generate revenue from interest earned on money held on trust in interest-bearing accounts.
    Emerge Group Limited Emerge is a digital banking alternative offering products like debit cards, current accounts, and in-app expense tracking. Customer funds are currently held in trust with a partner bank but Emerge aims to transition to higher yielding options such as government bonds. 
    Homeshare

    Homeshare offers investors the opportunity to own a fractional share of real estate, with each property divided into 1,000 equal shares. These shares are tokenised and can be bought and sold via an online platform.
    IndigiShare

    IndigiShare aims to improve access to capital for Māori entrepreneurs and small businesses. It seeks to offer Te Whare Manaaki (a koha loan platform), as a way to lower barriers to entry for indigenous businesses and enable community entrepreneurship.  
    Invest in Farming Co-op IIF (Invest in Farming) is an Australian-based cooperative that connects investors to farming by digitising ownership of livestock, aquaculture, horticulture, and agriculture. It allows investors to own a share of agricultural assets, where investment returns are unlocked on the sale of the stock or crop.
    Tandym Limited A group investment platform enabling people to form groups and build wealth together in a social and engaging way – while removing administrative burden.

    FMA Executive Director Strategy and Design Daniel Trinder says, “We offered this pilot sandbox to spur innovation for both startups and established licensed financial institutions. We received 24 applications to be part of the sandbox and went through a thorough review process to determine which of the firms would be chosen to be part of the pilot.” 

    The criteria used to determine the final six was: 

    • genuine innovation exists that is either unique or solves an existing issue, 
    • likely benefit to consumers,  
    • the product or service does not pose high risk of causing consumer harm, 
    • there is a demonstrated need to be in the sandbox, 
    • the firm is ready and has a product to test, and  
    • the management team have appropriate experience and skills to execute the sandbox testing plan. 

    “During the pilot they can test new products and services in a controlled environment, helping them to obtain a deeper understanding of supervisory expectations,” says Daniel. “The opportunity to adjust a product or service before full commercial launch may also help reduce costs for firms. 

    “We see clear benefits for the FMA too. By working closely with the firms during their time in the sandbox, we expect to gain greater insights into the benefits and risks of financial innovation and new technologies. Experiences gained through such a testing phase should allow us to react faster and more effectively to any potential regulatory and supervisory problems. It should also highlight gaps around investor and customer protection, allowing development of more appropriate and timely solutions.” 

    The FMA is committed to supporting financial services innovation and is grateful for the constructive work and support from FintechNZ throughout the process. 

    ENDS

    Background 

    You can read more about the launch of our regulatory sandbox pilot on our website

    FMA launches regulatory sandbox pilot

    Innovation

    Media contact 

    If you have any questions on this media release, please contact [email protected]  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Experienced retail investor found liable for market manipulation

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release  
    MR No. 2025 – 13

    Kok Ding Cheng, an experienced retail investor, has been ordered to pay the Crown a pecuniary penalty of $198,000, following a civil proceeding brought by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tatai Hokohoko for market manipulation.  

    The FMA’s case centred on five small orders for of NZX-listed shares of Rua Bioscience Limited (RUA) that Mr Cheng made over a 10-day period during late 2020 via a broking account he held with ASB Securities.  The Court found in making each of those five orders, which ranged from $59 to $540, Mr Cheng breached s265 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 which prohibits trade-based market manipulation.  The Court found that Mr Cheng deliberately placed the orders for the purpose of increasing the price and/or demand for Rua shares.

    Mr Cheng did not file a statement of defence during the proceeding, and so the proceeding progressed by way of formal proof hearing.  

    FMA Head of Enforcement, Margot Gatland said, “Mr Cheng’s orders lacked a genuine commercial purpose and were instead made for the purposes of increasing the price and/or demand for RUA shares at a time when he held a material shareholding in the company.  

    “Market manipulation undermines confidence in financial markets because it means investors can’t trust prices or market activity to be genuine. We take cases of market manipulation seriously to ensure New Zealand’s markets reflect genuine supply and demand, in order to preserve their integrity and reputation.

    “We considered Mr Cheng’s conduct warranted a strong response to deter market manipulation. This case and the Judge’s ruling are important reminders that trade-based market manipulation can occur when trading through online share brokerage accounts. Investors should be careful to understand their obligations when trading online, as trading listed shares for disingenuous reasons can result in liability.” 

    The $198,000 is to be paid to the Crown after it is first applied to the FMA’s actual costs in taking the case. 

    ENDS 

    Media contact  
    If you have any questions about this media release, please contact [email protected]   

    Related links  

    FMA vs Cheng Judgment [PDF 415KB]

    FMA files market manipulation case against Kok Ding Cheng for trading of Rua shares

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Westpac to pay $3.25 million penalty for misleading customers

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release
    MR No. 2025 – 14

    Westpac is to pay a penalty of $3.25 million for misleading customers entitled to advertised discounts as well as overcharging some of its business customers. Westpac admitted its conduct in civil proceedings brought by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – at the High Court in Auckland in December 2024.

    Westpac’s breaches of the fair dealing provisions under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (FMCA) affected a total of 24,621 customers and resulted in $6.35m in overcharges. Westpac admitted having made misrepresentations in respect of the following historic issues:

    • Customers entitled to various benefits under Westpac’s Employee, Gold and Platinum (EGP) packages failed to receive the advertised discounts
    • Personal and business banking customers failed to receive benefits under one of Westpac’s other advertised packaged arrangements
    • Westpac failed to honour agreed pricing for business customers who held a “Business Transact Account”.

    FMA Head of Enforcement, Margot Gatland, said, “Westpac’s issues stemmed from deficiencies in its systems that meant the bank failed to deliver contractually agreed discounts to their customers. Westpac used preferential pricing to attract and retain customers, without having systems that could reliably deliver on those promises.”  

    Westpac has remediated impacted customers. “The FMA acknowledges Westpac’s full cooperation throughout the FMA’s investigation, and the work it undertook to remedy the issues,” said Ms Gatland.

    “The $3.25 million penalty against Westpac reflects the number of customers affected,” Ms Gatland said. “The relationship between financial institutions and their customers must be one of trust. Customers should rightfully expect to be treated fairly and that agreements between the two parties will be honoured.”

    In his penalty decision Justice Venning said, “I accept Westpac’s submission there is no suggestion that its conduct was deliberate or wilfully misleading, nor that there was any intention to intentionally deprive customers of benefits. While it had in place systems, the systems were insufficient.”

    ENDS

    Media contact

    If you have any questions about this media release, please contact [email protected]

    Related

    FMA v Westpac – Judgment [PDF 265KB]

    Westpac admits to misleading representations that resulted in $6.35m in overcharges
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update on the Pushpay insider trading appeal

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release  
    MR No. 2025 – 15

    The Financial Market Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision on the Pushpay insider trading appeal. 

    In August 2023 the defendant was found guilty of an insider trading offence following a four-week trial in the Auckland High Court. They were sentenced to six months community detention and a fine of $100,000. In April 2024 they appealed the conviction and the High Court’s decision to refuse name suppression. The Crown also appealed the sentence, saying it was manifestly inadequate.  

    FMA Head of Enforcement Margot Gatland says, “We were pleased with the Court’s decision to uphold this conviction. Insider trading is a serious offence that undermines investor confidence in New Zealand markets. The FMA will continue to take action when we see this type of misconduct as it damages the trust and confidence in New Zealand’s financial markets and businesses.” 

    In its judgment the Court of Appeal:  

    • dismissed the appeal against conviction,  
    • dismissed the appeal against the refusal to grant name suppression, pending final decision of the conviction appeal, with the existing interim name suppression to continue for seven days post judgment, and
    • granted the Crown’s appeal against the sentence in part, increasing the fine aspect of the sentence to $200,000.  

    Name suppression continues for seven days to allow the defendant to notify family members and/or business interests in advance of name suppression lapsing.   

    ENDS

    Background

    The case, brought by the FMA, centered around the resignation and sell-down of shares of former Pushpay co-founder and Director Eliot Crowther in June 2018. The FMA considered Mr Crowther’s intention in this regard to be material information, which, if generally available, would be likely to have a material effect on the price of Pushpay’s shares at the time.  

    The FMA alleged that the defendant knew of, and used, that information to advise or encourage others to trade in the lead up to Mr Crowther’s announcement.  

    Mr Crowther’s trading was legitimate, and he was not party to the proceedings. 

    Related media releases 

    FMA alleges insider training of Pushpay shares

    Guilty verdict media release

    Media contact 

    If you have any questions about this media release, please contact [email protected]  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: FMA issues a warning on managed investment scheme

    Source: Budget 2025 – Greenpeace braced for ‘scorched earth’ budget from Govt

    Media Release  
    MR No. 2025 – 16

    The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – has issued a public warning about a managed investment scheme operated by Jesse Joseph Vaughan and former NZ company Crypto Partners Limited (CPL). 

    FMA Executive Director of Response and Enforcement Louise Unger said, “We understand that Mr Vaughan, the sole director and shareholder of formerly registered company CPL, has offered investments in a managed investment scheme (MIS) operated by CPL. He did so without holding a MIS manager licence, and without providing the required disclosure, which are both contraventions of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.” 

    Mr Vaughan also told his investors in a newsletter that he had applied for a MIS manager’s licence, and that it was being reviewed by the FMA.  

    “I can confirm that neither Mr Vaughan nor CPL has ever applied to the FMA for any form of market services licence,” said Ms Unger. “One of the main purposes of the market services licensing regime is to require licensees to act with integrity, diligence and skill and in the best interests of investors using their services. We consider that CPL and Mr Vaughan’s conduct has been contrary to these obligations and investors are likely to have experienced significant detriment as a result.  

    “The FMA will continue to take actions when we see misconduct damaging the trust and confidence in New Zealand’s financial markets and businesses. We do this to both prevent and deter others from doing this and, in this case, to hold Mr Vaughan to account,” concludes Ms Unger. 

    If you are an investor in CPL, let us know  

    If you are an investor in CPL and have not received the return of your investment, or you have recently been contacted by Mr Vaughan inviting you to invest in his business, we encourage you to report the details to the FMA.  

    Media contact  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • This engine will give Dahod a new identity in the world: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday lauded the inauguration of a modern locomotive manufacturing plant in Dahod, Gujarat, calling it a transformative step that will redefine the city’s identity on the global stage.
     
    According to Vaishnaw, the facility will manufacture 9,000-horsepower electric locomotives, named “D Nine,” symbolising Dahod’s resurgence as a major railway production hub. The locomotives are expected to serve not only the Indian Railways network but also be exported globally.
     
    “When the world was run by steam engines, Dahod played a key role in railway production. But with the gradual replacement of these engines, Dahod’s economy was significantly impacted. In 2022, our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, decided that modern electric locomotives would be built in Dahod, and work began in 2023. Today, we have a state-of-the-art factory ready,” the Railway Minister said.
     
    “The 9,000-horsepower locomotives from Dahod will not only operate within India but will also be exported across the globe. This is not just an engine—it’s a running computer centre. It is high in quality, yet low in cost. Named ‘D Nine,’ meaning Dahod 9000, this factory will bring international recognition to Dahod. Prime Minister Modi has truly blessed this sacred land,” he added.
     
    Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the locomotive manufacturing plant of Indian Railways in Dahod, marking a major milestone in boosting the country’s railway infrastructure and freight capabilities.
     
    He also flagged off the first electric locomotive produced at the plant.
     
    According to an official release from the Prime Minister’s Office, the inauguration is part of PM Modi’s ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity and developing world-class transport infrastructure. The Dahod facility will produce 9,000-horsepower electric locomotives for both domestic use and international export.
     
    The locomotives are expected to significantly increase Indian Railways’ freight loading capacity. They will feature regenerative braking systems and be designed to reduce energy consumption, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability, the statement said. (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advice seen by Minister

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Date
    Reference Number
    Title

    19 December 2019
    AM/19/01484
    Aide-Memoir: Discussion paper: establishing a CoVE specialising in Secondary Tertiary Programmes, Multiple Pathways and Transitions (PDF 1.4 MB) 

    5 December 2019
    B/19/01460
    Funding Agreement between the Crown and Lincoln University (PDF 1.3 MB) 

    3 December 2019
    1210568
    Education Report: High-level decisions on the unified funding system for discussion at the strategy session on 12 December (PDF 7.8 MB)

    22 November 2019
    B/19/01385
    Tertiary Education Commission 2019/20 Quarter One Performance Report

    20 November 2019
    B/19/01340
    Tertiary Education Report: August 2019 Fees-Free Enrolment Update (PDF 658 KB) 

    20 November 2019
    B/19/01339
    Tertiary Education Report: August 2019 Enrolment Update (PDF 590 KB) 

    15 November 2019
    AM/19/01341
    Expenditure accrual adjustment to Vote Tertiary Education

    13 November 2019
    AM/19/01357
    Overview of standard operating procedures and/or code of practices for TEI accommodation services

    11 November 2019
    Cabinet paper
    Confirmation of Crown capital investment to support the rebuild of Lincoln University’s science facilities (PDF 1.2 MB)

    7 November 2019
    AM/19/01351
    Tertiary Education Institution Accommodation Overview

    1 November 2019
    AM/19/01338
    No recoveries for exceeding prior achievement limit in 2019 for YG and SAC 1-2

    29 October 2019
    B/19/01328
    Tertiary Education Commission Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2019

    25 October 2019
    AM/19/01337
    Reform of Vocational Education Programme Governance – Update

    24 October 2019
    E/19/01252
    Ako Aotearoa 2019 Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards Evening – 30 October 2019

    23 October 2019
    B/19/01284
    Crown support for Whitireia Community Polytechnic

    15 October 2019
    E/19/01277
    Launch of Drawing the Future event on 18 October at Porirua East School

    14 October 2019
    B/19/01260
    Report to Ministers from the University of Canterbury Futures Governance Oversight Group

    14 October 2019
    B/19/01275
    ITP constitutions for two councils

    9 October 2019
    AM/19/01258
    AgResearch business case for a new building at Lincoln University

    4 October 2019
    E/19/01256
    Opening the 15th New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum on Tuesday 15 October 2019

    25 September 2019
    B/19/01192
    Update on Careers System Strategy Engagement Process (PDF 500 KB) 

    20 September 2019
    B/19/01175
    Tertiary Education Commission draft Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2019 (PDF 276 KB) 

    19 September 2019
    B/19/01211
    Tertiary Education Report: Draft Cabinet paper on supporting the rebuild of Lincoln University’s science facilities and reallocation of funding to Tai Poutini Polytechnic (PDF 159 KB) 

    17 September 2019
    B/19/01023
    Review of the appointment of the Commissioner of Whitireia and WelTec (PDF 250 KB) 

    13 September 2019
    B/19/01210
    Establishing a Stakeholder Advisory Group for Reform of Vocational Education

    13 September 2019
    B/19/01209
    Workforce Development Council and ITO Workstream: Progress update (PDF 861 KB) 

    13 September 2019
    1204429
    Briefing Note: Unified Funding Work Programme: Progress update (PDF 3.6 MB)

    10 September 2019
    E/19/01176
    Ministerial visit to the University of Auckland on Tuesday, 10 September 2019

    9 September 2019
    E/19/01176
    Ministerial visit to the University of Auckland on Tuesday, 10 September 2019 (PDF 871 KB) 

    9 September 2019
    E/19/01169
    Meeting with Greg Wallace, Chief Executive of Master Plumbers on Thursday 12 September 2019

    6 September 2019
    B/19/01141
    ITP constitutions for seven councils (PDF 297 KB) 

    2 September 2019
    E/19/01158
    Ministerial visit to Unitec Institute of Technology on Tuesday, 3 September 2019 (PDF 3.2 MB) 

    27 August 2019
    B/19/01065
    Tertiary Education Report: Lincoln University Programme Business Case: Moving Forward (PDF 487 KB) 

    27 August 2019
    B/19/01086
    Tertiary Education Report: April 2019 Fees-Free Enrolment Update (PDF 640 KB) 

    21 August 2019
    B/19/01085
    Tertiary Education Report: April 2019 Enrolment Update (PDF 826 KB)

    19 August 2019
    E/19/01093
    Minister of Education Opening the Primary ITO Symposium on Tuesday 20 August 2019

    8 August 2019
    AM/19/00929
    Fees-free monitoring and addressing non-complying TEOs

    26 July 2019
    E/19/00868
    Ōritetanga Learner Success Conference (PDF 240 KB) 

    26 July 2019
    AM/19/00971
    Talking Points for Cabinet on 29 July 2019 – NZIST Establishment Board Appointment

    25 July 2019
    B/19/00928
    Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury Partnership Proposal (PDF 1.5 MB) 

    24 July 2019
    B/19/00882
    Crown support for Tai Poutini Polytechnic (PDF 670 KB)

    20 July 2019
    AM/19/00790
    WAIKATO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2018 Annual Report (PDF 459 KB) 

    19 July 2019
    AM/19/00959
    Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for Telfrod – Talking point for Cabinet

    19 July 2019
    AM/19/00954
    Annotated Agenda – NZ Institute of Skills and Technology Establishment

    17 July 2019
    B/19/00773
    Update on Careers System Strategy and Career Action Plan (PDF 275 KB) 

    17 July 2019
    B/19/00867
    Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for operating Telford in 2020 and 2021 (PDF 486 KB) 

    15 July 2019
    AM/19/00800
    Assurance findings for the Reform of Vocational Education Programme

    15 July 2019
    B/19/00763
    2020 Investment Round Update: Indicative Allocations

    11 July 2019
    E/19/00879
    Minister to visit Otago University on 12 July 2019 (PDF 465 KB) 

    10 July 2019
    B/19/00819
    Manukau Institute of Technology– council constitution (PDF 402 KB) 

    10 July 2019
    AM/19/00880
    Compliance monitoring of fees-free tertiary education and prosecution for false statutory declarations

    4 July 2019
    B/19/00785
    TEC 2018/19 Quarter Three Performance Report (PDF 355 KB) 

    3 July 2019
    B/19/00861
    Review of the appointment of the Commissioner of Unitec (PDF 289 KB) 

    1 July 2019
    B/19/00840
    2018 Educational Performance Indicators (PDF 1.1 MB) 

    1 July 2019
    AM/19/00820
    Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi 2018 Annual Report (PDF 506 KB) 

    1 July 2019
    B/19/00708
    Publication of the Tertiary Education Commission’s Statement of Intent 2019/20–2022/23 and Statement of Performance Expectations 2019/20 (PDF 274 KB) 

    1 July 2019
    AM/19/00827
    Aide-Memoire: Lincoln University Programme Business Case: Moving Forward (PDF 303 KB) 

    1 July 2019
    B/19/00840
    2018 Educational Performance Indicators

    28 June 2019
    E/19/00835
    Meeting with Service Skills Institute Incorporated on Monday 1 July 2019

    25 June 2019
    AM/19/00821
    Talking Points for APH on 26 June 2019 – Appointment to the council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (PDF 219 KB)

    20 June 2019
    AM/19/00790
    WAIKATO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2018 Annual Report

    19 June 2019
    AM/19/00797
    Growing the Food and Fibres Sector – Recommendations for the TEC

    17 June 2019
    E/19/00776
    University of Canterbury – Opening of the Rehua Building on 25 June 2019 (PDF 326 KB) 

    12 June 2019
    E/19/00690
    Meeting with the Commissioner of WelTec and Whitireia (PDF 346 KB) 

    12 June 2019
    AM/19/00749
    Update on Whitireia Community Polytechnic and the Wellington Institute of Technology

    10 June 2019
    AM/19/00739
    Update on the current situation of funding training and education of carers

    7 June 2019
    B/19/00702
    Recognition of Skills Active Aotearoa Limited as an industry training organisation (PDF 1.1 MB) 

    31 May 2019
    B/19/00709
    Waikato Institute of Technology Council Constitution (PDF 441 KB) 

    31 May 2019
    AM/19/00704
    Unitec Institute of Technology 2018 Annual Report (PDF 408 KB)

    31 May 2019
    B/19/00706
    2018 final full-year enrolments at tertiary education organisations

    31 May 2019
    AM/19/00707
    Update on the financial position of ITPs

    30 May 2019
    B/19/00703
    Recognition of the Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand as an industry training organisation (PDF 479 KB) 

    30 May 2019
    B/19/00701
    Recognition of Primary Industry Training Organisation as an industry training organisation (PDF 897 KB) 

    30 May 2019
    E/19/00705
    Meeting with UCOL on 5 June 2019  (PDF 2.6 MB)

    27 May 2019
    AM/19/00648
    Advice on options to support the University of Canterbury following the Christchurch mosque attacks

    24 May 2019
    B/19/00650
    Ministerial appointment to Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi

    17 May 2019
    B/19/00706
    2018 Final Full-Year Enrolments at Tertiary Education Organisations (PDF 1.1 MB) 

    17 May 2019
    B/19/00640
    Tai Poutini Polytechnic Capital Injection – Final Milestone (PDF 386 KB) Tai Poutini Polytechnic Capital Injection Appendix A (PDF 1.6 MB) 

    16 May 2019
    AM/19/00651
    Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki 2018 Annual Report (PDF 516 KB) 

    10 May 2019
    E/19/00555
    Meeting with Professor Jan Thomas from Massey University on 22 May 2019 (PDF 682 KB) 

    10 May 2019
    E/19/00644
    Meeting with Southland Federated Farmers

    9 May 2019
    B/19/00613
    Letters for Ministerial appointments to two tertiary education councils (PDF 286 KB) 

    8 May 2019
    E/19/00509
    Minister to speak at the Open Polytechnic Graduation on Thursday, 23 May 2019 (PDF 3.2 MB).

    3 May 2019 
    AM/19/00611
    Lincoln University 2018 financial results (PDF 247 KB) 

    3 May 2019
    AM/19/00615
    Ministerial Appointment to the council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

    23 April 2019
    B/19/00527
    Release of the 2018 PBRF Quality Evaluation Results 

    10 April 2019
    E/19/00512
    Meeting with Primary Industry Training Organisation on Thursday 11 April 2019 

    9 April 2019
    E/19/00473
    Meeting with WITT to discuss RoVE on 11 April 2019 

    8 April 2019
    E/19/00482
    Meeting with Andrew Robb from Tai Poutini Polytechnic on 11 April 2019 

    3 April 2019
    B/19/00451
    Salvation Army foundation education delivery consultation outcomes 

    3 April 2019
    B/19/00469
    Inspiring Futures – Response 

    2 April 2019
    E/19/00465
    Ministerial visit to open new Tech Park Campus development at Manukau Institute of Technology on 5 April 2019 

    28 March 2019
    E/19/00446
    BusinessNZ Major Companies Group – Chief Executive Forum on Friday 5 April 2019 

    27 March 2019
    B/19/00448
    Letters for Ministerial appointments to eight tertiary education institution councils 

    27 March 2019
    B/19/00442
    Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – council constitution 

    25 March 2019
    B/19/00360
    2018 Interim Full-Year Enrolments at Tertiary Education Organisations 

    18 March 2019
    AM/19/00414
    Talking Points for APH on appointments to eight ITP councils 

    14 March 2019
    B/19/00161
    TEC 2018/2019 Quarter Two Performance Report 

    12 March 2019
    E/19/00396
    Meeting with The Skills Organisation 14 March 2019 

    12 March 2019
    E/19/00398
    Meeting with Careerforce Thursday 14 March 2019 

    12 March 2019
    B/19/00381
    Letters for Ministerial appointments to two university councils 

    7 March 2019
    B/19/00158
    Careers System Strategy Workstream Implementation Update 

    5 March 2019
    AM/19/00330
    Talking Points for APH on appointments to two TEI Councils 

    1 March 2019
    E/19/00166
    Meeting with Competenz Chair and Chief Executive Thursday 7 March 

    1 March 2019
    E/19/00234
    Local Government New Zealand Rural and Provincial Meeting 

    27 February 2019
    E/19/00165
    Visit to Telford (PDF 326 KB) 

    26 February 2019
    E/19/00150
    Meeting with primary industry leaders to discuss your vision on Reform of Vocational Education (PDF 269 KB) 

    25 February 2019
    E/19/00246
    Meeting with the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) (PDF 2 MB) 

    15 February 2019
    B/19/00082
    Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury Partnership Proposal: next steps (PDF 2.3 MB) 

    11 February 2019
    AM/19/0060
    World Economic Forum OECD Release of Envisioning the Future of Education and Jobs: Trends, Data and Drawings report (PDF 159 KB) 

    7 February 2019
    AM/19/00083
    2018 full-year enrolment reporting timeline (PDF 397 KB) 

    1 February 2019
    B/19/00081
    Southern Institute of Technology’s proposal for operating Telford in 2019 (PDF 393 KB) 

    February 2019
    Cabinet paper
    Council Appointments for Ara Institute of Canterbury, Eastern Institute of Technology, Manukau Institute of Technology, NorthTec, Otago Polytechnic, Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, UCOL and the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (PDF 320 KB) 

    30 January 2019
    B/19/00055
    Appointment of an advisory committee to support the Commissioner of Whitireia and WelTec (PDF 202 KB) 

    29 January 2019
    AM/19/00064
    Computer in Homes Tender (PDF 824 KB) 

    28 January 2019
    AM/19/00063
    Meeting with the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury (PDF 1.2 MB) 

    21 January 2019
    E/19/00010
    Ara Institute of Canterbury – Manawa and Outpatients facility opening on Thursday 31 January 2019 (PDF 1.2 MB) 

    11 January 2019
    B/19/00028
    Update World Economic Forum: Launch of Envisioning the Future of Education and Jobs (PDF 554 KB) 

    8 January 2019
    B/19/00007
    University of Auckland – amendment to council constitution (PDF 303 KB) 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budgets

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Last updated 25 May 2023
    Last updated 25 May 2023

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    Every year the Government allocates funding to a range of tertiary education initiatives as part of the budget. This section includes information on recent budgets and their implications for tertiary education.
    Every year the Government allocates funding to a range of tertiary education initiatives as part of the budget. This section includes information on recent budgets and their implications for tertiary education.

    Most of this funding is appropriated, or made available, through Vote tertiary education. The Ministry of Education (MoE) is the lead agency for the sector.
    Our Statement of Intent explains how we will manage the services involved in providing the funding to tertiary education organisations (TEOs).
    The Government’s financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June, whereas we base our funding for most TEOs on the calendar year. This means it can take a while for budget decisions to have an impact.
    Read more about recent budgets and their implications:

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Why Industry Leaders are Choosing African Mining Week 2025

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 26, 2025/APO Group/ —

    As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, Africa’s mineral-rich economies are stepping into a more prominent role – not only as exporters of raw materials, but as strategic partners in global supply chains. African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, taking place in Cape Town on October 1-3, is emerging as a key platform for policymakers, mining companies, financiers and service providers to connect, negotiate and shape the future of the continent’s mining sector.

    AMW 2025’s will prioritize high-level networking, dealmaking and investor matchmaking. At a time when governments are under pressure to present investable projects, this approach ensures that time on the ground translates into meaningful engagement and tangible progress.

    Targeted Engagement Drives Attendance

    AMW’s agenda is designed to support strategic engagement through exclusive country briefings, curated investor meetings and deal rooms that connect government and private sector actors directly. Its co-location with African Energy Week 2025: Invest in African Energies further enhances the event’s appeal, creating opportunities for cross-sector dialogue on infrastructure, energy access and mineral beneficiation.

    This targeted approach is attracting a wide range of public and private sector delegations. Among confirmed participants is the South Africa–DRC Chamber of Commerce, which will be supporting the participation of companies operating across two of Africa’s largest and most influential mining jurisdictions. South Africa’s mining industry continues to play a central role in global platinum group metals production and is seeing new interest in battery minerals and green hydrogen, with institutions like the Industrial Development Corporation set to participate in sessions on financing mining and industrialization projects across the continent. The DRC, meanwhile, remains critical to global cobalt and copper supply chains, with significant interest in expanding downstream processing.

    Government Participation Signals Project Pipelines

    Several African governments are attending with the express purpose of promoting new investment opportunities. Chad’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy is expected to highlight emerging opportunities in mining and infrastructure development as part of ongoing efforts to attract investment in its extractive sector. From Angola, national oil company Sonangol is participating as part of a broader push to diversify its portfolio beyond oil and gas. The Angolan government is prioritizing the development of its diamond, iron ore and battery mineral resources, and Sonangol’s involvement reflects the country’s intention to drive resource-linked industrial development.

    International participation is also strong. Organizations such as World Mining Investment and delegations from the Gulf, Europe and Asia are attending to assess African markets amid growing interest in diversifying supply chains and securing long-term access to key minerals.

    Aligning Investment with Industrial Development

    With global exploration spending in Africa projected to rise – particularly in copper, lithium and rare earth elements – many countries are not only positioning themselves as resource suppliers, but as hosts for beneficiation and value-added processing. Discussions at AMW will explore policy incentives, infrastructure corridors and cross-border industrial zones that can help support this ambition.

    As African governments seek to coordinate on regional value chains, improve regulatory coherence and share infrastructure, platforms like AMW play an important role in facilitating dialogue and action. By convening stakeholders across government, industry and finance, the event is helping to reshape how mining investment is pursued on the continent – shifting from transactional approaches to more strategic, collaborative models that align with Africa’s broader development goals.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Columbus has completed strategic review

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 6/2025

    As announced in company announcement no. 1/2025 of January 17th, 2025, Columbus has conducted a strategic review to evaluate possible changes in the ownership structure, mergers or other consolidation. During the period of the review, the global financial markets have been considerably affected by increased uncertainty, leading to a significant slowdown in M&A transactions. The Board of Directors has concluded that the obtainable premium associated with a change of ownership is at an unsatisfactory level, hence the Board has decided to end the strategic review without changes to the ownership structure.

    However, the global slowdown in M&A transactions does offer interesting acquisition opportunities for Columbus to evaluate given the conservative debt level and strong cashflow of Columbus.

    Columbus will continue its strategic transformation and pursue further growth and margin improvement as outlined in the EBITDA15 plan. Columbus has identified the introduction of the agentic workforce as a significant driver of growth in the coming years and is well positioned to take lead in this transformation.

    Ib Kunøe                                          Søren Krogh Knudsen
    Chairman of the Board                CEO & President

    For further information, please contact:
    CEO & President, Søren Krogh Knudsen, +45 70 20 50 00

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • An ode to the fourth-largest economy of the world

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In May 2025, India stands as the fourth-largest economy in the world, surpassing Japan and trailing only the United States of America, China, and Germany.

    With a Gross Domestic Product of over four trillion dollars, the economic might of the nation is now evident to the world. In the last decade, India’s GDP has more than doubled. To put things in perspective, it took India more than 65 years to reach its first two trillion dollars, and only eleven years to add the next two.

    The economic upliftment of rural India has been integral to this leap. For decades, the countryside was plagued by issues of food, shelter, and clothing. However, in the last eleven years, these challenges have been addressed through precise and people-centric policymaking.

    While an array of welfare programmes tells a compelling story, the simplest policy moves have been most effective. For instance, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has ensured an additional quota of foodgrains for more than 80 crore people. Before the Narendra Modi government took office, surplus foodgrains in government coffers were under contention, yet the previous government was unwilling to distribute them to those in need.

    Beyond welfare, this has had a significant economic impact. People in villages now have more disposable income, which they are using to buy consumer durables, processed foods, and foods with higher nutritional value. Aspirations are changing, and the success of the Mudra Yojana is a testament to this shift. No longer a liability, rural India is now an asset for a rising nation.

    Urban pockets are evolving as well. With every trillion dollars added to the economy, consumer demand is transforming. Earlier this month, Lego, one of the world’s largest toymakers, opened its first store in India in Gurugram, Haryana. Apple, the world’s leading technology company, is now embedded in urban markets, increasing its manufacturing volume and value within India.

    But India’s manufacturing story is not just about Apple; it encompasses millions of young and old entrepreneurs shifting to local production, moving beyond the role of traders. Near the Haryana border, in Delhi’s North-West district, lies Bawana, an example of this significant shift. The Prime Minister’s larger message of ‘Make in India, Make for India, and Make for the World’ has resonated with entrepreneurs here, who are leading the change.

    The greatest supplement to India’s growth over the last decade has been infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown an unprecedented commitment to infrastructure development, rivaling Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s.

    India’s infrastructure push over the last decade has been the most ambitious in any democracy in the past century. A simple litmus test is that every individual within a 50-kilometer radius can vouch for redevelopment and numerous greenfield infrastructure projects.

    These projects are empowering people in every state, enabling access to greater economic and employment opportunities. Projects like the Dedicated Freight Corridors, dormant under the previous government, are now instrumental in reducing export costs and enhancing the ease of doing business.

    In the northeastern part of the country, projects are opening new avenues for tourism and the regional economy. In the Himalayas, strategic infrastructure initiatives, from Arunachal Pradesh to Ladakh, are strengthening military capabilities.

    The government’s intent toward infrastructure is validated by its annual capital expenditure commitment. In recent years, the Centre has committed over Rs. 50 lakh crore to infrastructure development. This also serves as evidence of the government’s fiscal management, which has navigated the pandemic, the global supply chain crisis, and the Russia-Ukraine war. The focus has been on creating long-term assets to fuel economic growth.

    The dual impact of welfare and infrastructure is fostering a generation of job creators. These are citizens, born in the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, who are not seeking employment but creating it.

    This new generation is further empowered by the digitisation of the economy and the pan-India market it has opened. These include digital creators as well. Employing anywhere from two to two hundred professionals, these entrepreneurs are transforming the dynamics of the Indian job market.

    This is what makes India the largest free market in the world. Beyond geopolitical dynamics, the economic might of India’s market size cannot be underestimated. India’s market access alone can cripple foreign powers, as seen in 2020 when the government banned TikTok and in 2025 when it sent a stern message to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor. The world needs India more than India needs the world. That is the power of 140 crore people.

    India’s rise to the third-largest economy is certain and will occur before 2029. Then begins a long journey toward becoming one of the world’s most important economic centres, driven by its market and demography. If the last decade was about cementing the size of the economy, the next will witness sharp and steep progress in microeconomic fundamentals, from per capita income to changing expenditure dynamics.

    From being among the ‘Fragile Five’ in 2013, India has come a long way by 2025, ranking among the top five. The comeback has been remarkable, and the country retains the momentum to surge further ahead. In 2015, it was the story of an economy struggling to find its footing. In 2025, it is about an economy ready to rise like an albatross, and by 2035, the story will be of a ten-trillion-dollar economy, reclaiming its civilisational position in a brave new world.

    (Tushar Gupta is a Delhi-based journalist and a political commentator)