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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen among knowledge exchange award winners The University of Aberdeen were among the winners at the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards on 19 March.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Winners at the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange AwardsThe University of Aberdeen were among the winners at the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards on 19 March.
    The University, along with partners Vertebrate Antibodies-EpitogenX Ltd, picked up the Powerful Partnership award for their work developing AI-powered diagnostics using Epitogen® technology to detect autoimmune and infectious diseases.
    The internationally recognised collaboration was praised by organisers for yielding “world-first solutions, fostering global recognition, creating skilled talent, and driving economic and health advancements.”
    Read more about this collaborative project
    The event held at the Edinburgh Futures Institute brought together Scotland’s rich ecosystem of talent to celebrate transformational collaborations between businesses, communities, universities, colleges, and research institutes which are solving industry challenges, improving productivity, advancing research and supporting Scotland’s ambition to be one of the most innovative small nations in the world.
    Developments in renewable energy, mental health, medicine and food and drink scooped awards across 10 categories.
    Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “It was good to see the full breadth of academic and business-led innovation on show at Interface’s annual awards.
    “It demonstrated why our expertise in so many sectors is revered around the world, from renewable energy and health technology, to food and drink.
    “Scotland has been at the forefront of many of the world’s most impactful innovations, from the MRI Scanner and penicillin to televisions and telephones. Yet, by combining research and business, so many new and exciting Scottish breakthroughs are just on the horizon and that is something we should all champion.”
    Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, which organises the Awards, said: “The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards celebrate successful partnerships where knowledge is shared to create new solutions. The nominees and winners we are celebrating exemplify how collaboration drives valuable advancements. These partnerships have led to the development of new technologies, products, and services that contribute to economic progress and societal benefit. Their innovations are not only transforming Scotland but also have the potential to make a global impact.”
    The in full:
    Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Ltd
    SolarSub Ltd, in collaboration with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) at the University of Strathclyde, for refining the design of a solar panel cooling system, optimising it for manufacturing and scalability. Additionally, in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, the technology underwent rigorous field trials to evaluate its performance under extreme heat conditions, ensuring its robustness and efficacy.
    Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise
    Joint winners: Dr Dayi Zhang and Matthew Gibson
    Dr Dayi Zhang, Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate working with the University of Strathclyde and Inspectahire Instrument Co. Ltd for developing a portable, non-invasive ultrasonic device that revolutionises whisky cask monitoring. Designed for Scotland’s iconic whisky industry, the device enhances safety, reduces costs, and minimises carbon emissions, aligning with net zero goals. This innovation preserves cultural heritage while driving environmental progress and local economic growth.
    Matthew Gibson, KTP Associate working with the University of Strathclyde and Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd, is creating the next generation of data-driven condition monitoring solutions for the oil and gas sector. This project is developing the Vision© reliability platform and has demonstrated reduced machine downtime and energy waste, in pursuit of net zero and sustainable engineering processes.
    Inward Investment Impact – sponsored by International Social Enterprise Observatory

    Canon Medical Research Europe and the University of Edinburgh for bringing new AI Innovation and thinking to the heart of the business. The relationship contributed to increased inward investment and headcount in Canon Edinburgh as well as new collaborative research funding opportunities in the research and translation of Causal AI.
    Knowledge Exchange Champion – sponsored by Knowledge Exchange UK
    Winner: Professor John Bachtler
    Professor John Bachtler has transformed Scotland’s regional policy knowledge exchange through 40 years of leadership at the European Policies Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde. He advanced policy innovation via networks such as EoRPA and IQ-Net, linking Scotland with European policy frameworks. His strategic insights, mentoring, and impactful KE collaborations strengthened regional development policy, inspired future leaders, and enhanced Scotland’s European policy influence.
    Highly Commended: Dr Andrea Rodriguez and Dr Bryan McCann
    Dr Andrea Rodriguez, the University of Dundee, for sustaining engagement and impact on non-academic audiences by co-designing an international knowledge exchange programme on youth homelessness. Helping Young People Feel at Home took a multi-agency approach, involving critical thinking and dialogue with young people in Scotland and Brazil to improve service provision and professional practices.
    Dr Bryan McCann, Glasgow Caledonian University, has championed knowledge exchange throughout his academic career, establishing several strategic partnerships within the physical activity and mental health sectors. These partnerships have facilitated innovative and high-quality student placements, generated income for impactful knowledge exchange programmes, and contributed to health and wellbeing across Scotland.
    Knowledge Exchange Heroes – team and individual – sponsored by Azets Ltd
    Individual
    Susan Armstrong, KE Lead at Glasgow Caledonian University, has been instrumental in transforming the knowledge exchange landscape at the university through her strategic and collaborative approach. Her efforts, dedication, and unwavering support have significantly advanced the university’s KE initiatives, benefiting both the academic community and industry partners.
    Team
    The Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation (SCFDI) at Queen Margaret University has for 10 years championed KE in the food and drink sector in Scotland. They have developed progressive models for industry/academia KE career pathways, supported an impressive SME client portfolio and attracted increasing attention from global food companies and retailers.
    Making a Social Difference
    Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and Glasgow Caledonian University are collaborating to review, redesign and deliver SAMH’s Psychological Wellbeing services. Through partnership SAMH and GCU have developed the Time for You service, supporting mental health of thousands of members of the public via immediate access to free mental health support, delivered by GCU Trainee Psychologists.
    Making an Environmental Difference
    Renewable Parts Ltd and the University of Strathclyde’s collaboration applies circular economy principles within the wind turbine decommissioning process, promoting the refurbishment and remanufacturing of high-integrity, high-value parts within the wind energy sector, instead of being recycled and returned to raw materials or, worse still, landfill. This circularity approach will have a significant impact on the UK economy and net-zero targets.
    Multiparty Collaboration
    Winner:
    Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) – Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, the University of Dundee, Robert Gordon University and over 170 medical device companies, to develop and commercialise innovative medical devices.
    Highly Commended:
    The Underwater Intervention for Offshore Renewable Energies (UNITE) project, a partnership between The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University, Imperial College London, Frontier Robotics and Fugro, is developing advanced AI and autonomous systems for undertaking remote inspections of offshore wind farms to offer a safe, efficient and sustainable solution for global energy providers.
    Place-based Impact sponsored by Business Gateway
    Winner:
    Digital Dairy Chain – Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the University of Strathclyde, the University of the West of Scotland, First Milk, Lactalis, NMR, SmartSTEMs, Kendal Nutricare, CENSIS and Cows & Co, is transforming the dairy sector across the South and West of Scotland and Cumbria. This partnership is driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and stimulating job creation, contributing to sustained economic growth in the region.
    Highly Commended:
    Control of Sheep Scab – Moredun Research Institute, Lewis and Harris Sheep Producers Association, The Old Mill Veterinary Practice, Scottish Government, The Crofters of Lewis & Harris, Lewis Crofters, Neil Fell Mobile Dipping Ltd, Zoetis Animal Health Ltd and Bimeda Ltd has developed a community-led approach to prevent and control sheep scab. This project demonstrates how a coordinated, collaborative effort can effectively prevent disease, improve sheep welfare and productivity, and rekindle a strong sense of community.
    Powerful Partnership sponsored by Skillfluence
    Vertebrate Antibodies-EpitogenX Ltd and the University of Aberdeen have developed transformative AI-powered diagnostics leveraging the innovative Epitogen® recombinant technology for diagnosing autoimmune and infectious diseases. This long-term collaboration has yielded world-first solutions, fostering global recognition, creating skilled talent, and driving economic and health advancements.
    Join the conversation on X at #SKEAwards and LinkedIn at @Interface.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FUNDING SUPPORT FOR SPACE TECHNOLOGY STARTUPS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 2:52PM by PIB Delhi

    IN-SPACe has launched Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) scheme for promoting the Indian industry especially start-ups towards commercialization of early-stage space technologies.

    The objective of the fund is:

    1. Upgradation of the existing space technologies from TRL-3/4 to TRL 7/8 (or higher) towards commercialization.
    2. Development of innovative products.
    3. Import substitution of components whose technologies have not matured in the Indian industry.

    The criteria for startups to qualify for financial support are:

    1. The startup should be under Indian management and control.
    2. The proposal of the startup shall have potential commercial value.
    3. The startup shall not source any funding from any other central & state govt departments and/or ministries for the project forming the subject of their proposal(s).

    The scheme aims at making India self-sufficient and import substitution for complex space technologies thus aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and also aims at supporting the startups working in niche space technologies by enhancing the domestic technical capabilities.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

     

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    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2113213) Visitor Counter : 79

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets Secretary of CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CE meets Secretary of CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee (with photo) 
    Mr Lee welcomed Mr Xu and his delegation to Hong Kong for the Heilongjiang-Hong Kong Investment Cooperation Conference. Mr Lee said he is pleased to meet Mr Xu again since they last met during his visit to Harbin in February. Noting that Hong Kong and Heilongjiang maintain close economic and trade relations, Mr Lee said Hong Kong has been the largest source of external investment in Heilongjiang, with total investments exceeding US$ 34 billion as of last year. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantage as a bridge between the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle to serve Mainland enterprises in going global while attracting more foreign investment to the country.
     
    Mr Lee highlighted that Heilongjiang’s successful hosting of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 sets an excellent example for the 15th National Games to be jointly held by Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Macao in November this year. Heilongjiang’s integration of winter sports with cultural tourism development, along with its full promotion of the ice and snow economy, provides inspiration for Hong Kong’s cultural tourism development.
     
    Noting that the Individual Visit Scheme has been extended to include Harbin in Heilongjiang Province, while direct flights between Harbin and Hong Kong have been launched, Mr Lee said that these developments will further foster economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between Heilongjiang and Hong Kong. He welcomed more enterprises and talent from Heilongjiang to organise and participate in various activities in Hong Kong, and he also encouraged more tourists from Heilongjiang to visit Hong Kong to experience its unique charm as a metropolis where East meets West.
     
    Mr Lee said that the Beijing Office and Liaoning Liaison Unit of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to serve as a bridge to promote deeper co-operation between Hong Kong and Heilongjiang in various areas such as sports, economic and trade investment, tourism, education, and youth exchanges, jointly making new and greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development.
    Issued at HKT 14:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Keynote speech by SCST at Hong Kong Tourism Overview 2025 (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at Hong Kong Tourism Overview 2025 today (March 20): 

    Dr YK Pang (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Pang Yiu-kai), Dr Peter Lam (Chairman-Designate of the Hong Kong Tourism Board), distinguished guests, friends from the travel industry, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good morning. It is with enormous pleasure and a lot of emotion that I join you all at today’s Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Tourism Overview. I was a regular attendee from 2011 to 2016, but this is my very first time joining this important event as the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism. Really happy to see so many old friends of the tourism industry in the audience, and for new friends in this room, a very warm “hello” to all of you.   
     
    Strong rebound of tourism performance
     
    Tourism has been a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s economy all along. It may not be a major source of foreign investment, but travel and related sectors gallantly provide employment for some 150 000 people of our workforce. In 2024, we welcomed close to 45 million visitors, marking a more than 30 per cent increase year on year. Among them, Mainland and non-Mainland visitors exceeded 34 million and 10 million respectively, with year-on-year increases at 27 per cent and 44 per cent respectively, injecting momentum into the local economy, and showcasing the collaborative efforts of the Government and the industry. As we entered 2025, we continue to see handsome growth, and achieved in January alone the highest monthly record of 4.74 million visitor arrivals since the pandemic.
     
    And for these remarkable achievements, I would like to take the opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Dr YK Pang for leading the Hong Kong Tourism Board with dedication and passion over the past six extraordinary years, particularly through the difficult times during the pandemic. As the Chairman, you have guided the Board with exemplary leadership in successfully overcoming various challenges and then driving the recovery of Hong Kong tourism. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the Board and to Hong Kong’s tourism development. 
     
    To sustain the momentum of the recovery, it is essential for all of us in the Government and the industry to recognise that the global tourism landscape has indeed changed substantially after the pandemic, and is continually evolving. With the advancement in digital technology and changing traveller preferences, we must embrace innovation, adapt our traditional offerings and craft new ones to maintain our competitive edge.
     
    Tourism Blueprint 2.0
     
    With this in mind, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau promulgated on December 30, 2024, the Tourism Blueprint 2.0, setting out the vision and mission for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry for the five-year period from 2025 to 2030. 
    I am sure most of you have already read the Blueprint 2.0, maybe serval times, so I am not going to bore you with the details yet again. But I think it is useful for me to elaborate the three key messages, which form the bases of the Blueprint 2.0, to you in person, which will shape the direction of the tourism industry in the coming years.
     
    Opportunities to capitalise – Mainland’s support measures
     
    The first message is Hong Kong’s uniqueness as an international tourist city with the advantage of being backed by the motherland, the Mainland of China. This is our core strength and fundamental asset, and it is getting even more important at this day and age as we are under the cloud of geopolitical tension. It is paramount that we make the most out of the wide range of supportive measures that the Central People’s Government has so generously endowed Hong Kong, through the rolling out of the resumption and expansion of multiple-entry permits for Shenzhen residents and the gifting of two precious giant pandas “An An” and “Ke Ke”, to name just a few. These measures have injected fresh impetus into our travel, retail, catering and hospitality industries. The entire tourism industry must strategically utilise these initiatives to maximise the benefits for Hong Kong as a whole.
     
    Traditional and new tourism offerings
     
    This naturally brings me to my second message. Hong Kong boasts significant traditional tourism advantages, including world-class tourist attractions, like the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary later this year; Ocean Park, especially with “An An”, “Ke Ke” and the two cute panda cubs “家姐”,”細佬”; our diverse cuisine, from corner delis “chaa chaan teng” to Michelin-star restaurants; efficient urban management and transportation systems. One thing that we in Hong Kong take for granted and tourists from abroad may not be aware, Hong Kong is in fact one of the safest cities in the world for business and leisure travel. It is essential that we continue to fortify these traditional assets and optimise and strengthen our infrastructure. But it is also crystal clear that amidst fierce competition from nearby cities, there is no room for complacency at all, and we surely cannot just rely on our traditional tourism mode and attractions anymore. 
     
    In the Blueprint 2.0, we promote the four “+ tourism” directions, covering culture, sports, ecology and mega events, in which Hong Kong possesses world-class resources that have yet to be fully presented to global visitors. This is where you, my friends in the travel and tourism trade, must and can all work together and rack your brains to develop innovative and interesting tourism products that speak to the desire of new-generation travellers’ aspiration for in-depth exploration of Hong Kong’s rich, diversified, and unique characteristics. Island tourism, for example, is one of the areas that we are actively working on. Hong Kong’s countryside and outlying islands are our hidden gems. Within an hour, we can travel after attending a formal business meeting in the bustling city centre to our countryside and explore the amazing wonders of nature, just like I did just this past Sunday when I hiked for five hours from Shek Pik Reservoir to Tai O in Lantau in the day, and then dressed up to the nines for a wedding banquet in the evening. We should develop more island tourism and eco-tourism itineraries for our global visitors who now have an increase in preference in this area. Our stunning Victoria Harbour is also one of the most beautiful and must-go photo points among the world’s top visit places. We must make better use of our harbour and the surrounding water body by developing more innovative products like yacht tourism to attract tourists. Horse racing is another world-class tourist attraction that Hong Kong excels and has lots of potential, and I’m glad that CTS (China Travel Service) has recently signed an MOU with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to promote horse-racing tourism, and I believe more will come in this direction. And these days I cannot attend any public speaking engagement without mentioning the Kai Tak Sports Park, our new and proud landmark with a 50 000-sized stadium, with which we are now in a position to bring truly mega sports and entertainment events befitting Hong Kong’s role as an international metropolis. It is only by infusing the city with fresh energy through new tourism offerings can we enhance the ambiance of our vibrant city and attract visitors from around the globe. On this, I look forward to the support and efforts from all of you in unleashing our creativity and developing products that will captivate the hearts of visitors. 
     
    Everyone is tourism ambassador
     
    My third message, which I have been repeating at every opportunity since appointment as the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, is that everyone in the community has a role to play in the development of tourism in Hong Kong, in particular in welcoming our visitors from around the world. This is surely most important for all of us present today, who is always the first point of contact with our tourists. Positive and warm hospitality is the key to prosperous tourism development. Hospitality is not just about providing accommodation and dining services but also about offering attentive and caring services, making visitors feel like home and willing to consume, if I am honest. Therefore, we advocate the concept of “Everyone is a tourism ambassador”, and I would encourage everyone in the tourism trade, as well as members of the public, to welcome every visitor with a warm and friendly smile. Every sunny smile by a member of the public will add to the happy vibe that we could bring to our community, and will more likely bring about quality service provided by hospitality professions. We launched the Hospitality Campaign in 2024 with various government departments, the tourism and related sectors, the education sector and district representatives, encouraging the trade and the entire community to go an extra mile in promoting the spirit of hospitality. We will continue to encourage quality services to welcome every visitor. One of our development strategies in the Blueprint 2.0 is to expand and diversify our visitor source markets. These include the Muslims, silver-haired, family, study-tour, and youth visitors. In order to attract these different segments of visitors, in addition to providing attractive tourism offerings, we must understand their needs and show our respect to make them feel welcomed and valued. This is hospitality and I am confident that our tourism industry will excel in it, giving the warmest welcome to our visitors. 
     
    Conclusion
     
    My dear friends, we have come a long way recovering from the pandemic, and it is now time for us to work together to bring Hong Kong tourism to new heights. Hong Kong is a city full of energy and endless adventures. The Government, along with the tourism industry, the business sector and the community, and indeed everyone in Hong Kong, need to act together to shape Hong Kong’s attractive tourism brand vividly. I always call myself a tourism veteran, and you have my assurance that I am all ears when you have a new idea to tell me, and I shall be in action when I know that there are things that my bureau could do to facilitate your business. Equally, I hope I have your assurance that you are walking with me to rejuvenate our travel and tourism industries, and that I can count on your diligence and creativity on this journey. I also look forward to working closely once again with the new Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam, to bring Hong Kong tourism to the new and next level of excellence.
     
    Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong maintains third place globally with higher rating in Global Financial Centres Index

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong maintains third place globally with higher rating in Global Financial Centres Index 
         A Government spokesman said, “The report fully recognises Hong Kong’s leading status and strengths as an international financial centre. Hong Kong’s rankings in the areas of ‘human capital’, ‘infrastructure’, and ‘financial sector development’ rose to second in the world, while rankings in ‘business environment’ and ‘reputational and general’ rose to third globally.”
     
         Hong Kong also ranked among the top in various financial industry sectors. Among these, Hong Kong ranked first globally in “investment management”, “insurance” and “finance”, and ranked third globally in “banking”. In addition, the report assessed the financial centres’ fintech offering, and Hong Kong’s ranking leapt further by five places to fourth in the world.
     
         The spokesman added, “With the staunch support of our country, Hong Kong will continue to leverage the advantages under ‘one country, two systems’, actively integrate into national development, and deepen international exchanges and co-operation, with a view to fulfilling our roles as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’. Finance is an important tool to support the development of the real economy. A series of policy initiatives have been announced in the 2025-26 Budget, pressing ahead with the high-quality development of Hong Kong’s international financial market to create more new growth areas.
     
         “On the stock market, various institutional reforms, including enhancing the timeframe for the listing application process and listing requirements for specialist technology companies, coupled with the Government’s active efforts to attract new capital from the Mainland and overseas and expand new markets, have injected new impetus into the Hong Kong market and improved its liquidity. We also endeavour to deepen financial mutual access between the Mainland and Hong Kong and have implemented a number of measures to enrich and support offshore Renminbi (RMB) business, such as enhancing the settlement arrangements of Bond Connect and launching offshore RMB bond repurchase business using Northbound Bond Connect bonds as collateral, further strengthening Hong Kong’s role in connecting the Mainland and international capital markets.
     
         “On asset and wealth management business, the Government has implemented measures to continuously promote its development over the past year, including enhancements to the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Exchange-traded Fund Connect, and the Mainland-Hong Kong Mutual Recognition of Funds arrangement. On green finance, we launched in December last year a roadmap on sustainability disclosure in Hong Kong, which provides a well-defined pathway for large publicly accountable entities to fully adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) no later than 2028, leading Hong Kong to be among the first jurisdictions to align its local requirements with the ISSB Standards. On fintech, we will soon promulgate a second policy statement on the development of virtual assets to explore the integration of traditional finance and virtual assets. We will also continue to explore new growth areas, including promoting gold market development and creating a commodity trading ecosystem in Hong Kong.”
     
         The GFCI Report has been released every March and September since 2007. In GFCI 37, 119 financial centres were assessed, and Hong Kong ranked third globally with an overall rating of 760.
    Issued at HKT 17:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Maximum amount of ex gratia payment on severance payment from Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund to be raised

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Maximum amount of ex gratia payment on severance payment from Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund to be raised 
    Through a resolution of the Legislative Council under the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Ordinance today (March 20), the maximum amount of ex gratia payment on severance payment under the Fund will be increased from $100,000 plus 50 per cent of any excess entitlement to $200,000 plus 50 per cent of any excess entitlement. 
     
    The adjusted maximum amount will take effect on Friday (March 21) upon gazettal of the resolution and apply to severance payment where the liability for payment arises on or after that date.
     
    The review on the coverage of ex gratia payment on severance payment under the Fund is one of the policy initiatives in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” to strengthen labour support. This legislative amendment will further strengthen the protection for employees’ entitlements to severance payment upon business closures.
     
    The Fund was set up in 1985 to provide timely financial relief in the form of ex gratia payment to employees of insolvent employers. 
    Issued at HKT 10:35

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – European Parliament Press Kit for the European Council of 20 March 2025

    Source: European Parliament

    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will represent the European Parliament at the summit, where she will address the heads of state or government at 11.00 and hold a press conference after her speech.

    When: Press conference at around 11.45 on 20 March

    Where: European Council press room and via Parliament’s webstreaming or EbS.

    At their meeting in Brussels, the heads of state or government will focus on ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness. They will also discuss how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression – with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the situation in the Middle East. Leaders will also have a first exchange of views on the EU’s next long-term budget (multiannual financial framework – MFF) and discuss migration.

    Competitiveness

    On 12 March, MEPs adopted two resolutions outlining their priorities for the next cycle of economic and social coordination between member states.

    On economic policy coordination, MEPs focus on the need to increase public and private investment, to address the investment gap, improve competitiveness and entrepreneurship, and continue fiscal consolidation. They say the EU should pursue these objectives while ensuring social cohesion and a high standard of living. MEPs are worried about slow growth and that more turbulent economic times are on the horizon. They call on member states to reduce excessive government deficits. They also warn about rising house prices.

    In the resolution on the EU’s employment and social priorities, MEPs emphasise the importance of reducing the administrative burden for companies, whilst safeguarding labour and social standards. They believe better support for small and medium-sized enterprises can foster innovation and better-quality jobs, and that stronger social economy enterprises can promote quality employment opportunities and the circular economy. The resolution states that fiscal policies under the European Semester must ensure investments align with sustainable growth and the European Pillar of Social Rights, in particular on affordable housing, healthcare, and education.

    During the 10-13 March plenary session, MEPs held debates on three recent Commission proposals on the clean industrial deal, the action plan for affordable energy and the automotive industry action plan.

    The clean industrial deal, announced by the Commission on 26 February 2025, is about enhancing EU competitiveness and decarbonisation by addressing high energy costs and fostering global cooperation. It includes measures to boost demand for clean products, mobilise funding for clean manufacturing, secure critical raw materials, and strengthen global partnerships. It also focuses on developing skills for a low-carbon economy, creating quality jobs, cutting red tape, and improving EU policy coordination. You can watch the debate here.

    The recently proposed automotive industry action plan, announced on 5 March 2025, is intended to support the European automotive sector as it deals with high manufacturing costs, the low-carbon transition, and increased competition from China. A resolution will be put to a vote during the April plenary session. You can watch the debate here.

    The action plan for affordable energy, which addresses high energy costs experienced by EU citizens and businesses, seeks to make electricity bills more affordable by reducing network charges and taxes, promoting energy efficiency, and improving the functioning of gas markets. You can watch the debate here.

    On 10 March, MEPs reviewed the Commission’s recent proposals to cut red tape and simplify legislation for EU businesses and citizens. The Commission is proposing to ease the administrative burden for all EU businesses, in particular for small and medium-sized companies. The main focus of compliance with EU rules will shift to the EU’s largest companies – those more likely to have a disproportionate impact on the climate and environment – while all businesses will continue to have access to sustainable finance for their clean transition. Areas covered under these ‘omnibus’ proposals include sustainability reporting, due diligence rules, the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), and InvestEU. You can watch the debate here.

    Further reading

    MEPs call for a more competitive EU that respects social and labour standards

    Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

    In a resolution adopted on 12 March, Parliament says the EU is now Ukraine’s primary strategic ally and must help the country uphold its right to self-defence.

    Following an “apparent shift” in the US position on Russia’s war of aggression, “which has included openly blaming Ukraine for the ongoing war”, the EU and its member states are now Ukraine’s primary strategic allies and must maintain their role as its largest donor, according to MEPs. To uphold Ukraine’s right to self-defence, the EU and its member states must ramp up their much-needed assistance to the country.

    The resolution also states there can be no negotiations on European security without the presence of the EU, and MEPs welcome the launch of a ‘coalition of the willing’ for the potential Europe-led enforcement of an eventual peace agreement. MEPs are dismayed by the US administration’s appeasement of Russia and targeting of its allies.

    On 24 February 2025, the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission issued a joint statement, saying “Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.”

    The three presidents stressed that “Ukraine is part of our European family” and that “the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.” They emphasised “the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.”

    Further reading

    The EU must contribute to robust security guarantees for Ukraine

    Joint statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    EP Conference of Presidents’ statement on EU support for Ukraine

    How the EU is supporting Ukraine

    EU stands with Ukraine

    European defence and security

    In a resolution adopted on 12 March, Parliament calls on the EU to act urgently and ensure its own security. This will mean, MEPs say, strengthening relationships with like-minded partners, and strongly diminishing reliance on non-EU countries.

    The EU needs “truly ground-breaking efforts” and actions “close to those of wartime”, say MEPs, also welcoming the recently tabled ReArm plan.

    To achieve peace and stability in Europe, the EU must support Ukraine and become more resilient itself, MEPs argue. The resolution states, “Europe is today facing the most profound military threat to its territorial integrity since the end of the Cold War”. It calls on member states, international partners, and NATO allies to lift all restrictions on the use of Western weapons systems delivered to Ukraine against military targets on Russian territory.

    The text says the EU must enable its administration to “move much faster through the procedures”, in the event of war or other large-scale security crises. While stressing the importance of EU-NATO cooperation, MEPs also call for the development of a fully capable European pillar in NATO that is able to act autonomously whenever necessary.

    At the special European Council meeting on 6 March, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola reassured leaders that the EP can move quickly and efficiently to meet today’s unprecedented security challenges. She called on the EU to invest more in defence: “Our ambition must match the unprecedented threat, the boldness of our proposals, and the speed at which they are put into action.” She reassured leaders that the European Parliament can adjust to demanding circumstances by moving quickly, efficiently and effectively. President Metsola highlighted that “our ambition must match the unprecedented threat, the boldness of our proposals, and the speed at which they are put into action.”

    During the 31 March to 3 April plenary session, MEPs will discuss with High Representative Kaja Kallas the EU’s common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs are set to urge the EU to invest more in its defence sector, including an increase of military and political support for Ukraine. They are also expected to call on the EU to expand its presence in the Middle East, foster closer ties with like-minded partners, and support enlargement countries in their efforts to advance towards EU membership. The draft texts on the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy and on EU Common Security and Defence Policy will be voted on by MEPs on 2 April.

    Further reading

    MEPs urge the EU to ensure its own security

    “We cannot afford to depend on others to keep us safe”, Metsola tells EU leaders

    “Europe must be responsible for its own security”, Metsola tells EU leaders

    MEPs call on Europe to strengthen its defence capacity

    Rutte to MEPs: “We are safe now, we might not be safe in five years”

    The EU’s long-term budget and new own resources

    Parliament is working on a draft report outlining its priorities for the next long-term EU budget post-2027, also known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The Committee on Budgets is expected to vote on this draft report at a meeting on 23-24 April, and plenary is set to vote on it during the 5-8 May plenary session.

    Parliament’s consent is needed (with an absolute majority) for the adoption of the MFF. MEPs may approve or reject the Council’s position (which is adopted by unanimity) but they may not make amendments to it. Parliament’s two co-rapporteurs, Siegfried Mureşan (EPP, Romania) and Carla Tavares (S&D, Portugal), expect MEPs to be involved from the start of the process, that during the negotiations, in its adoption, and in the implementation phase of the long-term EU budget.

    So-called EU own resources are the main sources of revenue for the EU budget. During the previous long-term budget negotiations, EU institutions agreed on a legally binding roadmap for the introduction of new sources of EU revenue. In 2023, the Commission proposed three new sources, linked to greenhouse gas emissions, company profits, and money generated by the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism. However, their adoption has stalled due to the reluctance of EU governments – right when new revenue streams are more important than ever, as debts accrued through the Next Generation EU (NGEU) recovery instrument will have to be repaid by 2058. The total costs for capital and interest repayments of the NGEU are projected to reach around €20-30 billion a year from 2028. The co-rapporteurs have argued that their repayment should come at the expense of existing EU policies.

    The own resources decision also requires a unanimous decision in Council, an opinion of Parliament, and ratification by every member state before it enters into force.

    Further reading

    Parliament’s draft report on the long-term EU budget

    Recording of the presentation of the draft report in the Budgets Committee (19.02.2025.)

    Recording of a press conference by the MFF co-rapporteurs (18.12.2024.)

    EPRS Briefing: Future of EU long-term financing (February 2025)

    Press release: “Own Resources”: Parliament’s position on new EU revenue

    Migration

    On 11 March, MEPs and the Commission debated changes to EU rules on the return of people who have no legal right to remain in Europe. The proposal for a new legal framework on “returns”, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in July 2024, was formally unveiled by the European Commission on 11 March.

    During the plenary debate, MEPs scrutinised the proposal, which is intended to increase the return rate of third-country nationals not entitled to stay in the EU. Parliament emphasised the importance of cooperation with third countries, including on the readmission of their own nationals, as well innovative measures such as the establishment of return hubs in third countries. You can watch the debate here.

    Middle East

    In a resolution adopted on 12 March, Parliament urges the EU and members states to support Syria’s transitional forces and calls on Damascus to end historical alliances with Tehran and Moscow. Concerned about stability in Syria and in the Middle East, MEPs want the EU to “seize this historic opportunity to support a Syrian-led political transition in order to unite and rebuild the country”. They call on the EU and member states to help Syria’s authorities in the country’s reconstruction. MEPs also want the EU to explore the use of frozen assets of the Assad regime to fund reconstruction, rehabilitation, and the compensation of victims.

    MEPs want Syria’s new authorities in Damascus “to break free from its notorious long-standing alliances with Tehran and Moscow, which “have brought suffering to the Syrian people and destabilisation to the Middle East and beyond”. They appeal to the Syrian authorities to revoke Russia’s military presence in Syria and condemn Moscow for hosting Bashar al-Assad and his family, shielding them from justice.

    Further reading

    The EU must support the political transition and reconstruction of Syria

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Poland: Electricity grid to get further upgrades with EIB loan payment of over €400 million to Orlen Group

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB set for loan of 1.7 billion Polish zlotys (€405 million) for Orlen to finance investment programme of its electricity supplier Energa Operator and improve and expand Poland’s electricity network
    • Loan to make Polish power grid more reliable and green, bolstering customer service, climate action and energy independence
    • Loan marks third and final tranche of 3.5-billion-zloty EIB loan to Orlen for upgrades to Poland’s power infrastructure

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed 1.7 billion Polish zlotys (€405 million) to electricity supplier Energa to improve and expand Poland’s electricity network. This is the third and final tranche of a 3.5- billion-zloty loan to Orlen for upgrades to power distribution grid in northern and central Poland.

    With the latest EIB loan tranche, Orlen subsidiary Energa Operator will upgrade over 4,600 kilometres of existing grid infrastructure, build a further 2,300 km of power lines in Poland to accommodate around 25,000 new customers. Energa Operator will also be able to modernize its electricity network’s metering systems.

    “Our support to Orlen is a strategic investment in the sustainable and long-term growth of the Polish economy,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwinska. “This underlines our strong commitment to a genuine and fair green transition, development of modern energy infrastructure and energy security for Poland and the European Union.”

    The operation advances EU goals to expand clean power such as wind and solar, become climate neutral by mid-century and reduce reliance on energy imports, outlined in RePowerEU initiative of the European Commission. It also strengthens a Polish aim of accelerating the shift to a net-zero-emissions power grid.

    “This record-high financing from the European Investment Bank is a strong vote of confidence in our growth strategy. We have an ambitious yet well-structured plan that will not only create value for our shareholders but also contribute to the broader economy. The EIB funding will be directed toward investments in our electricity distribution network, such as building new power lines and connecting new customers, including prosumers with their own renewable energy sources. These projects will be carried out by Energa Operator, which, thanks to the financing secured by ORLEN, is well-positioned to reinforce its leadership in Poland’s energy transition,” said Magdalena Bartoś, Vice President of the Management Board and Chief Financial Officer at ORLEN.

    The EIB loan supports Energa Operator long-term plans to expand the Polish national grid by 11,000 kilometres of new power lines and 7,000 kilometres of underground cables, while upgrading nearly 10,000 kilometres of existing infrastructure by the end of 2035. These investments will enable the connection of 350,000 new customers and integration of 9 GW of renewable energy sources, increasing the installed capacity of the national grid by more that 16 percent, and add energy storage facilities to further stabilise the power system.

    Background information

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union. The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    In 2024, the EIB Group financing in Poland grew to €5.7 billion. This bolstered sustainable development of cities and regions, energy transition and included the group’s largest security defence project last year.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    ORLEN Group is an integrated multi-utility energy company listed in the prestigious global Fortune Global 500. It was the first company in the region to declare achieving total emission neutrality in 2050. Thanks to the recent acquisitions and mergers, it became one of the 150 largest companies in the world. The company operates on 10 home markets: Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Canada, Norway and Pakistan. Retail sales are carried out using the largest network of 3,500 fuel stations in the region. The ORLEN Group’s offer reaches over 100 countries on 6 continents.

    By the end of this decade, ORLEN will have invested over PLN 320 billion to implement strategic projects, of which approximately 40% will be allocated to green investments, including wind energy at sea and on land, photovoltaics, biogas and biomethane, biofuels, electromobility, green hydrogen and synthetic fuels.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford City Council Approves Redevelopment Plans for 38-40 George Street for New Wilde Aparthotel and Community Space

    Source: City of Oxford

    Thursday, 20 March 2025

    PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF MARICK REAL ESTATE: Oxford City Council Approves Redevelopment Plans for 38-40 George Street for New Wilde Aparthotel and Community Space

    Marick Real Estate is thrilled to announce that Oxford City Council has approved plans to redevelop 38-40 George Street into a stunning 145-room aparthotel operated by Staycity Group under their lifestyle Wilde brand. This major development will not only enhance the city’s hospitality offerings but also bring vital community benefits, making it a landmark project for the Gloucester Green area. 

    In addition to the aparthotel, the development will include a 400m² community space, developed in partnership with Makespace Oxford. This versatile space will serve as a hub for a wide variety of community activities, further enriching the local area and providing a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. 

    The project, designed with sustainability at its core, will be awarded a BREEAM “Excellent” rating. It will contribute to Oxford’s green agenda by achieving a 60% Biodiversity Net Gain, enrolling into the City’s “Safe Places” scheme, and reducing carbon emissions by over 40%. This scheme promises to set a new standard for environmentally responsible development in Oxford. 

    Councillor Ed Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management, commented: “This is an exciting milestone for the project and I look forward to seeing more detailed plans emerge as the team moves forward. This regeneration will revitalise the area, provide much-needed accommodation relieving pressure on family homes, and create a dedicated community space. It will also support local jobs, with workers being paid at least the Oxford Living Wage. We look forward to seeing it take shape.”  

    Andrew Heselton, of Marick Real Estate, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “We are pleased to achieve this important milestone and look forward to developing the design, securing third-party agreements, and procuring our construction partner for this scheme prior to commencing the works in early 2026.” 

    The regeneration of 38-40 George Street promises to be a significant step forward in enhancing Oxford’s urban landscape, supporting its local economy, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. Staycity’s Wilde aparthotel will offer a unique, premium experience, while the new community space will become a valuable asset for people of all ages. 

    Construction is set to begin in early 2026, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the city’s vibrant Gloucester Green area. 

    For any further information please visit the project website: www.george-street.co.uk 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Health and safety remains top concern for directors and officers worldwide, according to Willis

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 80% of directors and officers consider health and safety risks to be very important or extremely important to their organisation, according to the latest Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Survey by Willis, a WTW business, (NASDAQ:WTW), in collaboration with Clyde & Co. Physical workplace risks were deemed the most important by 43% of respondents, followed by employee mental health and wellbeing consequences stemming from work (28%) and from personal matters (12%).

    For the first time since 2018 civil litigation and third party claims were included among the top seven concerns, with 63% of directors and officers surveyed considering these significant risks to their Directors and Officers. Smaller organisations (<$50 million in revenue) and those with revenues between $1 and $5 billion mentioned litigation more often. The largest organisations surveyed (>$5 billion in revenue) included diversity, equity and inclusion as well as bribery and corruption as top risks, while excluding the financial distress, bankruptcy and insolvency concerns of smaller organisations.

    Climate change is no longer considered a top seven risk in several regions, including Asia, North America and the Middle East. In contrast, diversity, equity and inclusion, a risk that was included in the survey for the first time this year, has made its way into the top seven for Great Britain, North America and Africa. Social risks as a whole feature prominently in the list of concerns and, when looked at over a five-year period, the increase in concern is notable. For example, breach of human rights within or by business operations has risen from 23% of responders considering it a very or extremely important concern in 2021 to 62% in 2025. Similarly, concern about supplier business practices has risen from 27% in 2021 to 59% in 2025.

    In general, there is a strong alignment between perceived material risks and board expertise and priorities. However, there is a notable exception when it comes to cybersecurity and data privacy, with many boards indicating more time is needed. Data loss and cyber-attacks, including extortion, are considered to be very important or extremely important for 77% of those surveyed. Artificial intelligence lags behind (only 51% of respondents consider it to be very or extremely important and considered by the fewest number of respondents to be material to the business while also being the lowest ranked issue on which respondents considered the board to have the relevant expertise), but this perception may change in the future as new use cases and regulations develop.

    Angus Duncan, global D&O coverage specialist at Willis, said: “The latest survey results underscore the diverse challenges directors and officers face today, highlighting how fraught the landscape has become. Despite increasing concerns over litigation risks, cost remains the dominant driver for D&O insurance purchasing decisions. This trend persists even as regulatory scrutiny and shareholder activism increase global liability exposures. By taking a proactive approach, companies can optimise their D&O coverage while mitigating financial and reputational risk. Our data helps clients anticipate emerging risks before they become serious exposures.”

    James Cooper, Partner and Head of Financial Institutions and D&O, Clyde & Co said: “The risk landscape for directors and officers is fast evolving and complex, driven by a multitude of factors from geopolitics to tech advancements and a challenging economic climate. Identifying the most critical risks and understanding where pressure points may appear is crucial in successfully navigating existing and emerging challenges. So too is ensuring that protections such as D&O insurance reflect this changing environment and can adequately cover areas where leaders may feel more exposed such as cyberattacks or data loss.”

    The report can be downloaded here.

    About the survey:

    Respondents include 765 global senior decision makers working in services, finance and insurance, healthcare, industry, energy and utilities and transportation and retail. Company size includes revenues of $5 billion or more (10%), $1 to 5 billion (15%), $50 million to $1 billion (33%) and less than $50 million (33%).

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

    Learn more at wtwco.com.

    About Clyde & Co

    Clyde & Co is a leading global law firm, helping organisations navigate risk and maximise opportunity in the sectors that underpin global trade and commercial activity, namely: insurance, aviation, marine, construction, energy, trade and natural resources. Globally integrated, the firm has 490 partners, 2,400 lawyers, 3,200 legal professionals and 5,500 people overall in nearly 70 offices and associated offices worldwide. For more information please visit www.clydeco.com

    Media contact

    Sarah Booker:
    Sarah.Booker@wtwco.com / +44 7917 722040

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Penalty issued against subsidiary of major law firm for breaches of sanctions linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Penalty issued against subsidiary of major law firm for breaches of sanctions linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a monetary penalty against Herbert Smith Freehills CIS LLP (“HSF Moscow”).

    The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a monetary penalty against Herbert Smith Freehills CIS LLP (“HSF Moscow”) for breaches of UK financial sanctions imposed on Russia, linked to its illegal invasion of Ukraine. 

    HSF Moscow was the subsidiary office to the UK registered Herbert Smith Freehills LLP (“HSF London”) until its closure by HSF London on 31 May 2022 as a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.    

    The monetary penalty relates to six payments made by HSF Moscow with a collective value of £3,932,392.10 to designated persons subject to an asset freeze. The designated persons were JSC, PJSC Sovcombank, and PJSC Sberbank. In committing the breaches, the firm made funds directly available to sanctioned entities. The payments, which took place over a period of seven days as the firm wound down its Russian offices, demonstrated a pattern of failings.   

    As a result of these breaches, OFSI has imposed a penalty of £465,000 on HSF Moscow.

    Economic Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds said: 

    Our commitment to robust enforcement of UK financial sanctions is steadfast.   

    A just and lasting peace in Ukraine must be our priority, and UK financial sanctions continue to be essential to disrupting Russia’s war machine and putting Ukraine on the strongest footing possible.

    HSF London, on behalf of HSF Moscow, voluntarily disclosed the breaches to OFSI, and therefore a 50% reduction has been applied to the final penalty amount.   

    This penalty demonstrates OFSI’s firm commitment to pursuing financial sanctions breaches wherever they occur. From the largest institutions to the smallest, everyone has an obligation to comply with the UK’s financial sanctions regime. OFSI is prepared to utilise the full extent of its statutory powers to pursue those who commit serious breaches of financial sanctions.  

    Financial sanctions are essential to the UK’s efforts to hold Russia accountable and place Ukraine on the strongest footing possible. As part of the UK’s commitment to robust enforcement of financial sanctions, OFSI has made transformative improvements in its tools, processes, and intelligence. The results are coming to fruition, with this case and the monetary penalty imposed on Integral Concierge Services Limited (ICSL) in August 2024 marking the first of several in OFSI’s pipeline linked to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The UK will continue to prioritise sanctions enforcement, including through public actions, such as monetary penalties, and actions which are not made public, such as warning letters and referrals to regulators.

    Notes to editors: 

    • OFSI stressed in its public penalty notice that it was issuing the monetary penalty against HSF Moscow, and that it had found no fault with the actions of the parent company, HSF London.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile’s GPTBots.ai and ZANROO Forge Alliance to Ignite AI Innovation in Southeast Asia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: JG) (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced that its leading enterprise AI agent platform, GPTBots.ai, has recently entered into a strategic partnership with ZANROO MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. (“ZANROO”), a fast-growing marketing technology company in Southeast Asia. This collaboration intends to drive the adoption and application of AI solutions in the region through joint business scenario solutions, thematic campaigns, and regional joint branding efforts.

    GPTBots.ai and ZANROO are excited to embark on this strategic partnership, which promises to unlock new opportunities for AI solutions in Southeast Asia. Chris Lo, Founder and CEO of GPTBots.ai, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with ZANROO, a company with strong and rich experiences in the Southeast Asian market. This alliance will enable us to deliver exceptional AI solutions and drive digital transformation in the region.”

    Carter Lim, COO of ZANROO, also shared his perspective on the partnership, highlighting the potential for growth and innovation that this alliance brings. “This partnership with GPTBots.ai is a significant step forward for ZANROO. Together, we will leverage our combined expertise to create innovative AI solutions that address the unique needs of Southeast Asian businesses. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that will shape the future of AI in the region,” he said.

    The partnership between GPTBots.ai and ZANROO will focus on several key areas:

    1. New AI-Driven Business Solutions: The two companies will collaborate to develop AI-powered solutions tailored to the unique needs of Southeast Asian businesses. By combining the advanced AI solutions of GPTBots.ai with ZANROO’s deep understanding of the local market, they aim to create innovative applications that boost operational efficiency and enhance customer engagement.
    2. Strategic AI Awareness Campaigns: To raise awareness and promote the adoption of AI technologies, GPTBots.ai and ZANROO will launch a series of thematic campaigns. These campaigns will showcase the latest AI advancements and their practical applications, leveraging both online and offline channels to reach a broader audience in the region.
    3. Unified Regional Brand Presence: Building a strong regional brand is a cornerstone of the partnership. By integrating their brands and collaborating closely, GPTBots.ai and ZANROO will create a unified presence in Southeast Asia. This joint branding effort will not only enhance their market visibility but also strengthen their competitive edge in the region.

    This strategic partnership marks a significant step in GPTBots.ai’s global expansion strategy. By working closely with ZANROO, GPTBots.ai will unlock new opportunities for AI solutions in Southeast Asia, ultimately contributing to the region’s digital transformation and intelligent upgrades.

    About ZANROO

    Founded in 2013, ZANROO has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing marketing technology companies in Southeast Asia. Specializing in data technology, ZANROO leverages online, offline, and real-time data to enhance human-computer interactions. The company offers a comprehensive suite of data analytics software that collects consumer data from various platforms, including social media, to help brands design and execute their marketing campaigns. By integrating and unifying data from multiple sources, ZANROO provides actionable insights that drive more effective marketing strategies.

    About GPTBots.ai

    GPTBots.ai is a complementary general-purpose LLM AI bot featuring private data input and continuous fine-tuning, which can replace ‘rule-based’ chatbots, improve user experience, and reduce costs. GPTBots.ai aims to provide users with an end-to-end business platform that can seamlessly integrate robots into existing applications and workflows via plug-ins. GPTBots.ai also allow users to have great access to, and more efficiently and effectively using, AIGC to improve overall corporate productivity and output quality.

    To know more, please visit https://www.gptbots.ai.

    About Aurora Mobile Limited

    Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

    For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Aurora Mobile’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Aurora Mobile may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Aurora Mobile’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Aurora Mobile’s strategies; Aurora Mobile’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Aurora Mobile’s ability to attract and retain customers; its ability to develop and effectively market data solutions, and penetrate the existing market for developer services; its ability to transition to the new advertising-driven SAAS business model; its ability to maintain or enhance its brand; the competition with current or future competitors; its ability to continue to gain access to mobile data in the future; the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and Aurora Mobile undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Aurora Mobile Limited 
    E-mail: ir@jiguang.cn

    Christensen

    In China
    Ms. Xiaoyan Su
    Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
    E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com

    In U.S.
    Ms. Linda Bergkamp
    Phone: +1-480-614-3004
    Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OLAF hosts Bosnian Prosecutors and Investigators to Strengthen Cooperation on Financial Crime

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is hosting a delegation of prosecutors and investigators from the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) working on economic and financial crime cases. The study visit is taking place in Brussels on 19-20 March and aims at enhancing cooperation between OLAF and BiH in the area of fight against financial crime, money laundering and corruption. 

    The visit underscores OLAF’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with authorities in EU candidate countries to protect the financial interests of the European Union. Effective collaboration with Bosnian law enforcement is particularly crucial in cases involving cross border financial transactions, fraud and irregularities involving EU funds in Western Balkans and beyond. 

    During the visit, discussion focuses on best practices for notifying OLAF of suspected fraud, methodologies for collecting and analysing financial crime evidence, and ensuring its legal admissibility. Participants also explore concrete examples of OLAF investigations in candidate countries, providing insights into successful fraud detection and prevention strategies.  

    A key agenda item is the establishment of an Anti-Fraud Coordination Service (AFCOS) in Bosnia and Herzegovina to streamline cooperation. The discussions further focuses on aligning Bosnian judicial and investigative framework with EU standards for financial protection.  

    This visit is part of the EU4Justice Project, funded by the European Union with the aim to harmonise BiH’s judicial system with European standards.   

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Dominates Token Listings with Highest Success Rate and Speed – TokenInsight Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a global cryptocurrency exchange, has reaffirmed its leadership in token listings, surpassing competitors in speed, volume, and market positioning, according to the latest TokenInsight Crypto Exchange report. Covering the period from November 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025, the report provides key insights into how centralized exchanges (CEXs) adapt to shifting market narratives during the latest bull run and how these changes influence their listing strategies.

    Key Takeaways

    • MEXC ranked first in spot listings, with 461 new tokens added.
    • The report recognized MEXC as a “Trend Capturer,” citing the strong performance of its early-listed tokens.
    • MEXC led in the conversion success rate (82.46%) for memecoin listings.
    • The exchange listed TRUMP just 2 hours and 20 minutes after its initial on-chain liquidity injection—far ahead of competitors.
    • MEXC was among the first exchanges to list major trend-driven tokens, including PNUT, CHILLGUY, AIXBT, BIO, RIFSOL, TRUMP, and VINE.

    MEXC Leads in Token Listings and Market Agility

    Over the past three months, MEXC has listed 461 new spot trading pairs—1.5 times more than Gate.io and 4.5 times more than Bitget—demonstrating its superior ability to capture market momentum. The exchange has maintained a consistent two-week listing cycle, ensuring that traders gain early access to promising assets before they reach mainstream markets.

    This agility is particularly evident in key industry trends, as MEXC has emerged as the first major exchange to list tokens tied to the four dominant narratives of the current market: Meme, DeSci, AI Agent, and Celebrity Tokens.

    A Leader in Early Listings

    The TokenInsight report recognizes MEXC as a “Trend Capturer” for positioning its traders ahead of major market moves. By listing tokens early in their lifecycle, the exchange enables traders to capitalize on rapid growth opportunities.

    For example, CHILLGUY was listed when its market cap was below $150 million and surged to $600 million within just ten days. MEXC’s reputation for early-market foresight has been reinforced by its rapid listing of high-performing tokens, including PNUT, CHILLGUY, AIXBT, BIO, RIFSOL, TRUMP, and VINE. Many of these tokens experienced significant price surges post-listing.

    A standout case is TRUMP, which MEXC listed on January 18 at 03:20 UTC, just 2 hours and 20 minutes after its initial on-chain liquidity injection—well ahead of other exchanges, which didn’t follow until after 10:00 UTC. This ultra-fast turnaround underscores MEXC’s sharp market responsiveness, allowing traders to access high-momentum tokens before broader adoption.

    Quality in On-Chain Listings

    Unlike platforms that focus solely on token volume, MEXC takes a selective approach, prioritizing high-potential on-chain assets. TokenInsight’s data reveals that MEXC’s 82.46% conversion rate from on-chain listings to its primary spot market far surpasses Gate.io’s 11.76%, highlighting its ability to identify sustainable projects.

    Largest Market Share and Top 5 CEX Ranking

    With its ability to identify and list emerging trends faster than competitors, MEXC continues to solidify its position among top-tier exchanges. Beyond leading in new listings, CoinDesk data confirms that MEXC captured the largest market share among centralized exchanges in February 2025 and secured a top-five ranking based on overall market share.

    The full report is available on TokenInsight’s official website.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is dedicated to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Known for its extensive selection of trending tokens, airdrop opportunities, and low fees, MEXC serves over 34 million users across 170+ countries. With a focus on accessibility and efficiency, our advanced trading platform appeals to both new traders and seasoned investors alike. MEXC provides a seamless, secure, and rewarding gateway to the world of digital assets.

    For more information, visit: MEXC Website | X | Telegram | How to Sign Up on MEXC
    For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR Manager Lucia Hu: lucia.hu@mexc.com

    About TokenInsight

    TokenInsight is a leading research and data analytics firm focused on the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. Through detailed market reports and data-driven insights, TokenInsight provides actionable intelligence to investors, exchanges, and industry participants.

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7fc75310-f85c-45f9-b803-96869eb2c148

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Hunger skyrockets by nearly 80 percent in Eastern and Southern Africa over past five years amidst worsening water crisis

    Source: Oxfam –

    • Nearly 116 million people in eight African countries, hardest hit by severe water crises, lack access to drinking water.
    • Globally, flash floods have become 20 times more frequent between 2000 and 2022

    The climate crisis has dramatically worsened water scarcity in Eastern and Southern Africa over the past few decades, leaving nearly 116 million people –or 40 percent of the population – without safe drinking water, according to a new Oxfam report.  

    Climate change is supercharging extreme weather events like droughts, cyclones and flash floods, and has led to the disappearance of more than 90 percent of Africa’s tropical glaciers and the depletion of groundwater. This has had knock-on effects on Africa’s small-scale farmers, pastoralists and fisherpersons leaving millions without basic food, drinking water or income. 

    Oxfam’s report –Water-Driven Hunger: How the Climate Crisis Fuels Africa’s Food Emergency – published ahead of World Water Day, looked at the links between water scarcity and hunger in eight of the world’s worst water crises: Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It found that the number of people experiencing extreme hunger in those countries has surged by nearly 80 percent over the past five years – reaching over 55 million in 2024, up from nearly 31 million in 2019. That is two in every ten persons.  

    The report warns that La Niña weather pattern, which will last through this month, will worsen floods in swaths of Southern Africa and South Sudan while causing severe drought in East Africa further threatening people’s food availability and income. 

    Globally, flash floods have become 20 times more frequent between 2000 and 2022 and the duration of droughts has risen by 29% since 2000, impacting the most vulnerable communities.  

    Existing poverty, deep inequality and chronic under-investment along with poor governance in water systems have compounded this climate-fuelled water crisis. African governments are currently meeting less than half the US$50 billion annual investment target required to achieve water security in Africa by 2030.  

    “The climate crisis is not a mere statistic—it has a human face. It affects real people whose livelihoods are being destroyed, while the main contributors to this crisis—big polluters and super-rich—continue to profit. Meanwhile, national governments neglect to support the very communities they should protect.” 

    Fati N’Zi Hassane,

    Director, Oxfam in Africa

    Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Oxfam in Africa Director said: 

    “The climate crisis is not a mere statistic—it has a human face. It affects real people whose livelihoods are being destroyed, while the main contributors to this crisis—big polluters and super-rich—continue to profit. Meanwhile, national governments neglect to support the very communities they should protect.” 

    The Oxfam report also found that: 

    • In the eight countries studied, 91 percent of small-scale farmers depend almost entirely on rainwater for drinking and farming. 
    • In Ethiopia, food insecurity has soared by 175 percent over the past five years, with 22 million people struggling to find their next meal. 
    • In Kenya, over 136,000 square kilometers of land have become drier between 1980 and 2020, which has decimated crops and livestock. 
    • In Somalia, one failed rainy season is pushing one million more people into crisis-level hunger, raising the total to 4.4 million—24% of the population. 

    A farmer from Baidoa, Somalia explains: “In the past, we knew when to farm and when to harvest but that has all changed. The rains now come late or not at all.  Last year, I lost all my crops and animals. I have now planted, but the rains have still not come. If this continues, I will not be able to feed my family.”  

    Deep inequalities mean that disadvantaged people like women and girls are too often the first and most severely punished by this water crisis. In Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, women and girls walk up to 10 kilometers in search of water, facing violence and extreme exhaustion. Many women and girls in rural households spend hours each day collecting water—time that could otherwise be spent on education or income generation.  

    “At the heart of this climate crisis lies a justice crisis. Sub-Saharan Africa receives only 3-4 percent of global climate finance, despite being heavily affected by climate change. Rich polluting nations must pay their fair share. It’s not about charity, it’s about justice. 

    “African governments must also double down on their investment in water infrastructures and social protection to effectively manage natural resources, and help the most vulnerable communities cope with climatic shocks,” added N’Zi-Hassane. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: “A blatant injustice”: Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s response to Energy Transfer lawsuit

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    In response to the verdict in Energy Transfer’s suit against Greenpeace International and Greenpeace US entities, the following lines can be attributed to Greenpeace Australia Pacific General Counsel Katrina Bullock:

    “The $660 million North Dakota case against Greenpeace International and Greenpeace US entities is a blatant Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) brought by a fossil fuel giant. SLAPPs are a corporate weapon designed to strangle public debate. They’re not about justice — they’re about silencing dissent, draining environmental defenders of time, money, and energy until they have no choice but to stop fighting. It’s an abuse of the legal system to shield powerful polluters from accountability. 

    “It’s no wonder eminent US lawyer Marty Garbus has labelled it the most unfair trial he has witnessed in his six decades of legal practice. Distinguished legal experts who acted as Independent Trial Monitors collectively noted that ‘the jury verdict against Greenpeace in North Dakota reflects a deeply flawed trial with multiple due process violations that denied Greenpeace the ability to present anything close to a full defence’. 

    “A jury with close ties to the fossil fuel industry, a judge permitting defamatory and prejudicial attacks on Greenpeace, and a blatant refusal for court transparency — this trial was a blatant injustice.”

    In a domestic context, Ms Bullock added:

    “In Australia, opposition leader Peter Dutton has announced that a coalition government would introduce legislation based on these same racketeering laws that have been used against peaceful environmental groups in the US. Dutton’s proposal to introduce US-style RICO laws raises serious concerns. While his office claims it’s aimed at tackling organised crime in the construction sector, we’ve seen in the US how these laws have been weaponised to target charities and grassroots groups who engage in peaceful protest activities. We must be extremely wary of laws that could criminalise our ability to protect our environment and our communities.”

    Greenpeace unequivocally disagrees with the verdict and refuses to be silenced. Greenpeace US entities will appeal.

    “Greenpeace is not scared of SLAPPs, and where big oil companies might think we will back down, we won’t. Greenpeace rises in the face of injustice.

    “Greenpeace Australia Pacific is an autonomous legal entity and is not a party to the lawsuit. While this verdict won’t have any programmatic or financial impacts for Greenpeace Australia Pacific, it is united in solidarity with Greenpeace US and Greenpeace International against this intimidation lawsuit and in the need for anti-SLAPP legislation.”

    — ENDS —

    Greenpeace International’s press release can be found here.

    Photos and Videos can be accessed from the Greenpeace Media Library and photos of Katrina and from the Australia-Pacific region can be found here.

    Contacts:

    Greenpeace Australia Pacific Communications: Kimberley Bernard on +61 407 581 404 or [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: European Defence Strategy: What to expect?

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    The European Union needs a surge in defence—and it needs it now. The ReArm Europe plan, followed by the White Paper on Defence, will outline the financial tools and industrial strategy that the European Commission is proposing, to build a European Defence Union that ensures peace through unity and strength.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwOMCQ4s9DQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: How to Invest Smarter with the Savings & Investments Union

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    The Savings and Investments Union: Enhancing Europe’s Financial Landscape
    Europeans hold significant amounts of savings in bank deposits, yet only 5% of global venture capital is sourced from the EU.

    The Savings and Investments Union seeks to address this imbalance by streamlining investment processes and broadening opportunities, fostering EU economic growth and enhancing household wealth.

    Ultimately, the Savings and Investments Union aims to amplify investment choices, support EU enterprises, and strengthen the regional economy, leading to improved living standards for all Europeans.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO6HPfhV3U4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Report reveals young people nearly fives time more likely to be put out of work

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New Report reveals young people nearly fives time more likely to be put out of work

    New Keep Britain Working Review report reveals an increase of 1.2 million young people with work limiting health conditions 

    • Nearly 1 in 4 people out of work due to ill health are under 35 – underlining the need for government’s employment and welfare reforms 
    • Government to consider independent recommendations on partnering with employers to keep young people in work  
    • Follows sweeping package of welfare to reforms to unlock work and boost living standards as part of the government’s Plan for Change 

    Young people with mental health conditions are nearly five times more likely to be economically inactive compared to others in their age group, according to new analysis published today [Thursday 20 March] by the Keep Britain Working Review.    

    Statistics in the report also show around a quarter of those who are economically inactive due to ill-health are under the age of 35 – illustrating how early barriers are impacting many of those who may be beginning their work journey or developing. 

    The findings are part of the review’s Discovery Phase report, as former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield examines the factors behind spiralling levels of inactivity, and how government and businesses can work together to tackle the issue.  

    The Keep Britain Working Review was announced as part of the Get Britain Working White Paper which set out the biggest employment reforms for a generation to get Britain working and unlock growth as part of the plan for change. It also includes plans for overhauling job centres, empowering mayors and local areas to tackle inactivity, and delivering a Youth Guarantee so all young people are either earning or learning  

    Today’s report sets out the economic inactivity challenges facing the UK and how this compares to other countries. It finds that:  

    • There are 8.7 million people in the UK with a work-limiting health condition, up by 2.5 million (41 per cent) over the last decade, including 1.2 million 16 to 34-year-olds and 900,000 50 to 64-year-olds   

    • These figures show young people (16 to 34-year-olds) with mental health conditions are 4.7 times more likely to be economically inactive than their cohort   

    • Those who are out of work for less than a year are five times more likely to return to work compared to those who are out of work longer  

    The report also highlights the potential economic benefit of better prevention, retention and rapid rehabilitation: it finds that tackling sickness absence and ill-health related economic inactivity through these measures could be worth £150 billion a year to the economy.  

    Chair of the independent review, Sir Charlie Mayfield, said:       

    Our initial report published today confirms the scale of rising economic inactivity and what’s driving it. It underlines the urgency that we tackle this challenge by improving prevention and retention of those in work and by creating better pathways back into work for those who are economically inactive.   

    It’s a problem that can and must be addressed by government and employers together. Even at this initial stage of the review, we have found inspiring examples of employers making a difference that’s literally life changing for some people. We need more of these on a greater scale and, in the next stages of the review, we will be engaging with many organisations to establish how that can be achieved.  

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, said:   

    We must do far more to help people stay in work and get back quickly if they fall out. That’s why, as part of the reforms in our Pathways to Work Green Paper and our Plan for Change, we are making a decisive shift towards prevention and early intervention.  

    We want to help more employers to offer opportunities for disabled people, including through measures such as reasonable adjustments, and we are consulting on reforming Access to Work so it is fit for the future.  

    I want to thank Sir Charlie for this report. It shows the potential for what government and employers can do together to create healthier, more inclusive workplaces, so we build on the great work some businesses are already doing. 

    Separate research also suggests that if the UK could reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training by a third, to match Germany’s rate, UK GDP could increase by 1.8% in the long-term (equivalent to £38 billion) – underpinning why health and disability reform to get Britain working is central to unlocking growth and delivering on the Plan for Change.  

    The government has already hit the ground running on prevention to address the mental health challenges young people are facing and ensure they get the treatment they need. This includes investing £26 billion in the NHS, including in mental health services and recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health workers across child and adult services to reduce delays and provide faster treatment. 

    We have already helped almost 70,000 people with mental health issues back into employment last year as part of the expansion of the Talking Therapies programme, up more than 60% on the year before and we are continuing to expand the programmes so more people can benefit from treatment.  

    The report sets out the main areas for the next stage of engagement – where in the coming months written submissions and face-to-face engagements with businesses and stakeholders will gather evidence to develop recommendations to come in Autumn.  

    The government has also put in place measures to make work pay and more secure, to help keep more people in work and support employers with retention. 

    This includes through the Employment Rights Bill which will strengthen workers’ rights protections, including expanding Statutory Sick Pay to 1.3 million of the lowest earners who previously received nothing, ensuring employees have the right to payments from the first day they are ill – so no one has to choose between their health or staying in work.  

    We are also increasing the National Living Wage from April, benefiting 3 million of the lowest paid full-time workers by up to £2,500 and introducing a Youth Guarantee to ensure every young person is either learning or earning.  

    This Discovery report comes as the Work and Pensions Secretary set out the largest welfare reforms for a generation this week to help those sick and disabled people who can work into jobs – backed by £1 billion investment.  

    This includes consulting on delaying access to the health top up in Universal Credit until someone is aged 22, with savings reinvested into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee.  

    These range of measures also include scrapping the controversial Work Capability Assessment that drives people into dependency and introducing the biggest package of new employment support including an early support conversation to stop an inactivity spiral.    

    The new measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is fit for purpose and available for future generations – opening up employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill, while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support, they need as part of the government’s Plan for Change.  

    This will end years of inaction, which has led to one in eight young people not currently in work, education or training and 2.8 million people economically inactive due to long term sickness – one of the highest rates in the G7.   

    All this has driven the spiralling benefits bill, forecast to reach £70 billion a year of spending on health and disability benefits for working age people by the end of the decade, or more than £1 billion a week.     

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Equinor presents 2024 Annual report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Equinor ASA (OSE: EQNR, NYSE: EQNR) publishes annual report for 2024, including financial and sustainability reporting.

    “2024 was marked by continued unpredictability in energy markets, with growing energy demand, political uncertainty and uneven progress in the energy transition. Our focus is on producing the energy the world needs today, and at the same time developing the energy systems needed for the future,” says Anders Opedal, President and CEO of Equinor ASA.

    Safety

    “A systematic approach to safety over time is paying off with the best safety results to date in 2024. However, the year was marked by the fatal search and rescue (SAR) helicopter accident where we lost a dear colleague. We believe close collaboration with suppliers and shared learning in the industry is important for our continued safety improvement effort”, says Opedal.

    The twelve-month average Serious Incident Frequency (SIF) for 2024 was 0.3, down from 0.4 in 2023.

    Strong operational and financial performance

    Equinor delivered adjusted operating income* of USD 29.8 billion, and adjusted net income* of USD 9.18. Net operating income was reported at USD 30.9 billion and net income at USD 8.83 billion.

    “Our operational performance was strong, built on the dedicated efforts from employees across the company. Our role as a major supplier of energy to Europe is important and I am proud of the work we have done to provide energy security”, says Opedal.

    Strong operational performance across the portfolio contributed to an equity production of liquids and gas of 2,067 mboe per day in 2024, on par with the year before. Equity production of renewable power increased by 51% to 2,935 GWh.

    Strong financial result contributed to a return on average capital employed (RoACE)* at 21% for 2024. Capital discipline remained firm with organic capital expenditures* ending at USD 12.1 billion for the year. Equinor maintained a strong balance sheet with net debt to capital employed adjusted* of 11.9% at the end of 2024.

    The strong financial results of 2024 also led to strong contributions to society through taxes. In 2024, Equinor paid USD 20.6 billion in corporate income taxes of which USD 19.7 billion was paid in Norway, where Equinor has the largest share of its operations and earnings.

    Firm strategy and progressing industrial development

    “We have a consistent growth strategy, and our strategic direction remains firm. By adapting to market situation and opportunities, we are positioned for stronger free cash flow and growth, and set to create shareholder value for decades to come”, Opedal continues.

    Through progressing projects and portfolio shaping transactions Equinor spent 2024 high-grading the portfolio and positioning for stronger growth and cash flow.

    On the Norwegian continental shelf, the development of the portfolio continued with 39 new licences and approvals of the PDOs of Eirin, Irpa, Verdande and Andvare projects. The Johan Castberg FPSO arrived at the field and started preparations for startup.

    The international upstream portfolio was focused with the exits from our long-standing positions in Nigeria and Azerbaijan and deepened in core areas with the acquisitions of US Onshore gas assets close to premium markets. In the UK an agreement was signed to establish an incorporated joint venture with Shell UK Ltd., which will become the largest independent oil and gas company on the UK continental shelf.

    Through 2024 Equinor high-graded the renewables portfolio to ensure profitable growth, in a market challenged by cost inflation and regulatory delays. In the UK the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank, continued to progress towards commercial start-up. Production was commenced at the Mendubim solar plants in Brazil.

    The long-term view on the importance of offshore wind remains firm. Through an acquisition of a 10% stake in Ørsted, Equinor got exposure to a premium portfolio of offshore wind projects and assets in operation.

    Value chains for carbon transport and storage progressed notably. In Norway, Northern Lights, the first commercial CO2 transport and storage infrastructure was completed and is expected to receive and store CO2 in 2025. In the UK, execution started for two of UK’s first carbon capture and storage infrastructure projects where Equinor is a partner.

    Progress on the Energy transition plan

    In 2024, Equinor achieved a year-on-year reduction of 5% in operated scope 1+2 greenhouse gas emissions, bringing the total down to 11.0 million tonnes CO2 equivalents. This is a 34% reduction from 2015, which is the reference year for Equinor’s ambition to reduce group-wide operated emissions by 50% on a net basis by 2030. Throughout 2024, actions were taken for further emission reductions with the partial electrification of the Sleipner field center, the Gudrun platform, as well as the Troll B and C fields.

    The average upstream CO2 intensity of Equinor’s operated portfolio was 6.2 kg of CO2 per boe in 2024 (100% basis), an improvement from 6.7kg of CO2/boe in 2023 and well below the industry average. The scope 3 GHG emissions from use of our products were 251 million tonnes in 2024, on par with the level in 2023.

    Equinor improved in the net carbon intensity of energy produced (including scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions) in 2024, which is now 2% below the 2019 baseline. The reduction was mainly driven by increased renewable energy production and lower scope 1+2 emissions.

    Equinor ambition is to to be a leading company in the energy transition. The updated Energy Transition Plan, published on March 20 2025, outlines the approach to deliver on Equinor’s strategy of creating value in the transition, while adjusting to changing external context and market realities.

    ***

    The previously announced decision of the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), includes a requirement for Equinor to publish the following summary language:

    “Les sociétés Danske Commodities A/S et Equinor ASA ont été condamnées, par une décision n° 08-40-23 de la Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE) du 20 janvier 2025, au titre de la méconnaissance de l’article 5 du règlement REMIT qui prohibe les manipulations de marché, au paiement de sanctions pécuniaires, dont les montants s’élèvent à huit millions d’euros (8.000.000 €) pour la société Danske Commodities A/S et quatre millions d’euros (4.000.000 €) pour la société Equinor ASA, pour des manipulations commises sur le marché de gros en 2019 et en 2020, en ce qui concerne les capacités de transport de gaz naturel entre la France et l’Espagne.

    Danske Commodities A/S and Equinor ASA were ordered by decision no. 08-40-23 of Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE) of 20 January 2025 to pay – for infringement of Article 5 of REMIT Regulation prohibiting market manipulations – financial penalties in the amount of eight million euros (€8,000,000) as regards Danske Commodities A/S and four million euros (€4,000,000) as regards Equinor ASA, for manipulations committed on the wholesale market in 2019 and 2020, with regard to natural gas transmission capacity between France and Spain.”

    The full decision is included in the attached appendix “Full decision text”. Equinor does not agree with the decision from CRE and will appeal the case to the Higher Administrative Court in France.

    * * *

    Our annual report and the subsidiary reports published separately can be downloaded from equinor.com/reports.

    * * *

    In accordance with Section 203.01 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, Equinor ASA announces that on 20 March 2025 it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission its 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F that includes audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The Equinor 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F may be downloaded from Equinor’s website at www.equinor.com. References to this document or other documents on Equinor’s website are included as an aid to their location and are not incorporated by reference into this document. All SEC filings made available electronically by Equinor may be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Shareholders may also request a hard copy of the annual report free of charge at www.equinor.com.

    * * *

    (*) These are non-GAAP figures. See Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in the annual report for more details.

    Further information:

    Investor relations
    Bård Glad Pedersen, senior vice president Investor Relations,
    +47 51 99 00 00

    Press
    Rikke Høistad Sjøberg, media spokesperson financial communication,
    +47 901 01 451(mobile)

    * * *

    Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect current views with respect to future events, are based on the management’s current expectations and assumptions, and are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in the 2024 Annual report and elsewhere in Equinor’s publications. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by applicable law, Equinor undertakes no obligation to update any of these statements, whether to make them conform to actual results, changes in expectations or otherwise.

    * * *

    This information is subject to disclosure obligations pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation, ref. section 3-1 in the Norwegian Securities Trading Act, and section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets Heilongjiang official

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee today met CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee Secretary Xu Qin to exchange views on strengthening Hong Kong’s co-operation with Heilongjiang.

    Mr Lee said he was pleased to see Mr Xu again since they last met in Harbin in February. He stressed that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantage as a bridge between the Mainland and the world under “one country, two systems” to serve Mainland enterprises in going global while attracting more foreign investment to the country.

    The Chief Executive highlighted that Heilongjiang’s successful hosting of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 sets an excellent example for the 15th National Games to be jointly held by Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau in November. He added that Heilongjiang’s integration of winter sports with cultural tourism development, along with its full promotion of the ice and snow economy, provides inspiration for Hong Kong’s cultural tourism development.

    Separately, as the Individual Visit Scheme has been extended to include Harbin, whilst direct flights between Harbin and Hong Kong have been launched, Mr Lee noted these developments will further foster economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between Heilongjiang and Hong Kong.

    He welcomed Heilongjiang enterprises and talent to organise and participate in various activities in Hong Kong and encouraged Heilongjiang tourists to visit to experience the city’s unique charm.

    The Beijing Office and Liaoning Liaison Unit of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to serve as a bridge to promote deeper co-operation between Hong Kong and Heilongjiang, jointly making new and greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development, the Chief Executive added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: IPOPEMA Initiates Coverage of Šiaulių Bankas with a Buy Rating and a Target Price of EUR 1.20

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On March 19, 2025 IPOPEMA, a leading independent investment bank in Poland, announced the initiation of equity research coverage (sponsored) on Šiaulių Bankas with a “Buy” rating and a target price of EUR 1.20 per share. This target price represents a compelling 28% upside potential over the bank’s current market valuation.

    IPOPEMA’s analysis highlights Šiaulių Bankas’s distinct market position, serving clients across the size spectrum while strategically focusing on the underserved SME segment. This niche is often overlooked by larger, risk-averse institutions. The robust Lithuanian macroeconomic environment is expected to drive strong volume growth across all sectors. While the bank’s ongoing rebranding and implementation of a new software platform may result in a temporary decline in net profit this year due to strategic investments and falling interest rates, these initiatives are expected to fuel long-term growth.

    IPOPEMA is a leading independent investment bank in Poland, providing a wide range of financial services, including investment banking, brokerage and asset management. With a strong track record in capital market transactions and a commitment to delivering value to its clients, IPOPEMA is a trusted partner for international companies accessing Polish investors as well as global Emerging Market investors.

    “We welcome IPOPEMA’s initiation of research coverage and are very excited about it. As we continue to strengthen our investor engagement, we believe their renowned expertise in the CEE Banking sector will provide invaluable insights and analysis, significantly benefiting our existing and potential investors,” says Tomas Varenbergas, Head of Investment Management Division at Šiaulių Bankas.

    Šiaulių Bankas is also covered by Enlight Research, Erste Group, Norne Securities, Swedbank and WOOD & Company. The research reports are available to investors on Šiaulių Bankas’ website.

    If you would like to receive Šiaulių Bankas news for investors directly to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.

    Important Notice:

    IPOPEMA reports are prepared on behalf of Šiaulių Bankas and based on publicly available information. Reports are published for informational purposes only and do not constitute, and shall not be deemed to constitute, an investment recommendation to buy, sell or enter into any other transactions in respect of the shares of Šiaulių Bankas. The information provided may not form the basis of any subsequent transaction. Investors themselves are responsible for making investment decisions based on the information published.

    Additional information: 
    Tomas Varenbergas 
    Head of Investment Management Division
    tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PDMR Shareholdings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC) (NYSE: DEC), announces the vesting of certain Performance Stock Units (“PSU’s”) and Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s”) previously awarded to Persons Discharging Material Responsibility (“PDMRs”), resulting in a change to previously disclosed PDMR holdings of Ordinary Shares of £0.20 each in the Company (“Ordinary Shares”).

    Members of the Company’s senior management vested in previously awarded PSUs and RSUs included:

    • Rusty Hutson, Jr, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
    • Bradley Gray, President and Chief Financial Officer
    • Benjamin Sullivan, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Risk Officer and Corporate Secretary

    Mr. Hutson’s listed awards were solely PSUs, while the awards to Mr. Gray, and Mr. Sullivan included a mix of PSUs and RSUs. The Company provides additional information about its 2022 long-term incentive plan within its Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024 available on its website.

    To settle the awards, the Company will transfer Ordinary Shares (net of customary withholdings, including taxes) from its Employee Benefit Trust (the “EBT”) as set forth in the table below:

      Net Award Shares Held Post-Award % of Issued Share Capital
    Rusty Hutson, Jr 42,007 1,276,141 1.58%
    Bradley Gray 26,546 192,131 0.24%
    Benjamin Sullivan 21,902 62,319 0.08%
           

    For further information, please contact:

    Diversified Energy Company PLC +1 973 856 2757
    Doug Kris dkris@dgoc.com
    www.div.energy  
       
    FTI Consulting dec@fticonsulting.com
    U.S. & UK Financial Public Relations  
       

    About Diversified Energy Company PLC

    Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.

    NOTIFICATION AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF TRANSACTIONS BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERSONS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THEM

    1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated
    a) Name Rusty Hutson, Jr
    2 Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
    b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification
    3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name Diversified Energy Company PLC
    b) LEI 213800YR9TFRVHPGOS67
    4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Bonus award of performance share units constituting a right to acquire Ordinary Shares of 20p each
      Identification code GB00BQHP5P93
    b) Nature of the transaction Vesting of performance share units units under the Company’s equity incentive plan
    c) Price(s) and volumes(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
        £Nil 42,007
    d) Aggregated information N/A single transaction
      Aggregated volume N/A single transaction
      Price N/A single transaction
    e) Date of the transaction 17 March 2025
    f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue (XOFF)
         
    1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated
    a) Name Bradley Gray
    2 Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status President and Chief Financial Officer
    b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification
    3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name Diversified Energy Company PLC
    b) LEI 213800YR9TFRVHPGOS67
    4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Bonus award of performance share units and restricted stock units constituting a right to acquire Ordinary Shares of 20p each
      Identification code GB00BQHP5P93
    b) Nature of the transaction Vesting of performance share units units under the Company’s equity incentive plan
    c) Price(s) and volumes(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
        £Nil 26,546
    d) Aggregated information N/A single transaction
      Aggregated volume N/A single transaction
      Price N/A single transaction
    e) Date of the transaction 17 March 2025
    f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue (XOFF)
         
    1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated
    a) Name Benjamin Sullivan
    2 Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Risk Officer and Corporate Secretary
    b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification
    3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name Diversified Energy Company PLC
    b) LEI 213800YR9TFRVHPGOS67
    4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Bonus award of performance share units and restricted stock units constituting a right to acquire Ordinary Shares of 20p each
      Identification code GB00BQHP5P93
    b) Nature of the transaction Vesting of performance share units and restricted stock units under the Company’s equity incentive plan
    c) Price(s) and volumes(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
        £Nil 21,902
    d) Aggregated information N/A single transaction
      Aggregated volume N/A single transaction
      Price N/A single transaction
    e) Date of the transaction 17 March 2025
    f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue (XOFF)
         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Director Shareholdings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC) (NYSE: DEC) announces that on March 18-19, 2025, members of the Company’s Board of Director’s (the “Board”) transacted in ordinary shares of 20p each in the Company (“Ordinary Shares”).

    Members of the Board transacting in Ordinary Shares included:

    • David Johnson, Non-Executive Chair of the Board
    • David J. Turner, Jr., Independent Non-Executive Director

    Details of the Board member transactions in Ordinary Shares and the resulting positions in the Ordinary Shares of the Company are as follows:

    Name Activity
    Date    		 Activity
    Type    		 Number
    of shares    		 Trading
    Venue    		 Average
    Price
    David Johnson 3/18/2025 Buy 1,250 LSE £10.20
    David J. Turner, Jr. 3/19/2025 Buy 15,000 NYSE $13.19

    Following the transactions, the total interest and per cent of the Company’s total issued share capital (“ISC”) of the aforesaid Board members may be found in the table below:

      Name Total
    Shareholdings    		 % of ISC  
      David Johnson 25,000 0.031%  
      David J. Turner, Jr. 48,087 0.059%  

    For further information please contact:

    Diversified Energy Company PLC +1 973 856 2757
    Doug Kris dkris@dgoc.com
    Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications www.div.energy
       
    FTI Consulting dec@fticonsulting.com
    U.S. & UK Financial Public Relations  


    About Diversified Energy Company PLC

    Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.

    NOTIFICATION AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF TRANSACTIONS BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERSONS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THEM

    1  Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated
    a) Name David Johnson
    2  Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status Non-Executive Chair of the Board
    b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification
    3  Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer
    or auction monitor
    a) Name Diversified Energy Company PLC
    b) LEI 213800YR9TFRVHPGOS67
    4  Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each
    type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been
    conducted
    a) Description of the financial
    instrument, type of instrument    		 Ordinary Shares of 20 pence each
      Identification code GB00BQHP5P93
    b) Nature of the transaction Purchase of Ordinary Shares
    c) Price(s) and volumes(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
        £10.20 1,250
    d) Aggregated information  
      Aggregated volume 1,250
      Price £10.20
    e) Date of the transaction March 18, 2025
    f) Place of the transaction London Stock Exchange (XLON)
    1  Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated
    a) Name David J. Turner, Jr.
    2  Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status Independent Non-Executive Director
    b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification
    3  Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer
    or auction monitor
    a) Name Diversified Energy Company PLC
    b) LEI 213800YR9TFRVHPGOS67
    4  Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each
    type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been
    conducted
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Ordinary Shares of 20 pence each
      Identification code GB00BQHP5P93
    b) Nature of the transaction Purchase of Ordinary Shares
    c) Price(s) and volumes(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
        $13.19 15,000
    d) Aggregated information  
      Aggregated volume 15,000
      Price $13.19
    e) Date of the transaction March 19, 2025
    f) Place of the transaction New York Stock Exchange (XNYS)

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AI-Powered Quality Inspection in Manufacturing with Lenovo & Trifork

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    AI-Powered Quality Inspection in Manufacturing with Lenovo & Trifork

    Zurich, Switzerland, 20 March 2025 – Trifork’s AI-Powered Quality Inspection for Manufacturing, one component of our suite of Vision AI offerings, has successfully passed the Lenovo Validated Design (LVD) process.
    By combining Lenovo Edge systems, Nvidia technologies, and Trifork’s Vision AI capabilities, manufacturers gain access to a powerful quality assurance solution that not only automates real-time inspection but also detects defects and classifies objects based on shape, color, size, and other critical attributes.

    This validated solution significantly reduces manual inspection efforts and related costs while enhancing accuracy. It delivers high-value, timely, and detailed insights to manufacturing and quality teams, enabling them to monitor production quality in real-time and assess the impact of quality improvement initiatives.

    Key benefits include:

    • Instant visual capture of manufacturing production output and real-time assessment of product quality
    • Significant reduction in manual QA inspection efforts and costs
    • Minimized waste and rework, improving operational efficiency
    • Higher production effectiveness, leading to increased profitability and customer satisfaction
    • Continuous evaluation of QA investments and their impact

    “AI-powered quality inspection is transforming manufacturing by enabling real-time defect detection, reducing waste, and optimizing production efficiency. Our partnership with Trifork ensures that manufacturers can deploy a validated, scalable, and secure Edge AI solution that seamlessly integrates into their operations.”
    — Allen Holmes Jr., AI Innovation Leader, Lenovo

    “At Trifork, we believe in building intelligent, scalable solutions that drive real business impact. By integrating our Vision AI technology with Lenovo’s powerful Edge systems, we are enabling manufacturers to achieve next-level quality control with automated inspections and real-time insights—setting a new standard for efficiency and precision in the industry.”
    — Jørn Larsen, Founder & CEO, Trifork 

    Designed for manufacturing leaders, quality engineers, and industrial automation experts, this solution helps drive operational excellence with AI-driven precision.

    Learn more: https://lenovopress.lenovo.com/lp2178.pdf

    Investor and media contact

    Frederik Svanholm
    Group Investment Director, Head of IR & PR
    frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 7317

    About Trifork

    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: GlobalData Country Risk Index shows slight drop in Q4 2024

    Source: GlobalData

    The global economy stands at a crossroads, balancing trade policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions against easing price pressures. The latter is supporting a revival in domestic demand and providing central banks with room for potential rate cuts. Against this backdrop, GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, reports a slight drop in the GlobalData Country Risk Index (GCRI) from 55.6 in Q3 2024 to 55.0 in Q4 2024.

    GlobalData’s latest, “Global Risk Report Quarterly Update – Q4 2024,” highlights that the Americas and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) face high risk scores due to economic instability and geopolitical conflicts. The Asia-Pacific region, while risky, has a lower score than the Americas and MEA, buoyed by strong growth in emerging economies. In contrast, Europe is the least risky region, benefiting from a solid economic recovery and improved investment sentiment.

    Annapurna Pillutla, Economic Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Global economic growth is projected to reach 3.1% in 2024, slightly down from 3.3% in 2023, reflecting both resilience and ongoing challenges. While the US economy continues to expand steadily, China’s real estate turmoil and potential US tariff hikes present key risks. Inflation remains above central bank targets in some regions, adding to the economic uncertainty. Growth in 2025 is expected to follow a similar trajectory, constrained by geopolitical tensions and policy unpredictability.”

    The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs are likely to disrupt the global supply chains and raise business costs. By 2025, these measures could reduce production efficiency and alter trade patterns as companies face higher prices for imported goods and raw materials.

    Europe – Steady recovery amid persistent challenges

    Europe continues to be the world’s least-risk region, with its risk score improving slightly from 41.4 in Q3 2024 to 41.0 in Q4 2024. The region’s economic recovery is marked by a gradual decline in inflation, improved labor markets, and supportive policy rate cuts by the ECB. However, geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Russia and Ukraine, along with political shifts to the far right, an aging population and labor shortages, present ongoing challenges. In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, Switzerland, Denmark, and Ireland were identified as the least risky countries, while Ukraine, Turkiye, and Belarus, faced the highest risks.

    Asia-Pacific – Resilience amidst geopolitical challenges

    The Asia-Pacific region’s risk score decreased from 54.0 in Q3 2024 to 53.4 in Q4 2024, indicating ongoing economic recovery. Projected to account for more than half of global growth in 2025, the region benefits from strong domestic demand and increased exports. However, risks persist due to geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and economic slowdown in China. China’s stimulus measures may offset some impact of US tariffs, while easing inflation and resilient consumption in other emerging economies improve the outlook. Strong growth prospects in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia further enhance regional stability.

    In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, the highest-risk countries included Pakistan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Conversely, the countries with the lowest risk were Singapore, Taiwan (Province of China), and Hong Kong (China SAR).

    Americas – Risk decline amid economic gains and political shifts

    Americas’ risk score decreased slightly from 57.0 in Q3 2024 to 56.6 in Q4 2024, reflecting benefits from policy rate cuts and strong consumer spending, particularly in the US. However, high US debt and fiscal challenges in Latin America persist, alongside political instability marked by protests and governance issues. Donald Trump’s return to the presidency adds to the region’s volatility, potentially affecting economic strategies and stability.

    In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, Canada, the US, and Costa Rica were the least risky, while Haiti, Venezuela, and Argentina remained the highest-risk nations.

    MEA – Persistent risks amid geopolitical tensions

    The MEA regions risk score slightly decreased from 66.3 in Q3 2024 to 65.4 in Q4 2024, driven by growth in the non-oil sector. However, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, and humanitarian crises continue to pose significant challenges. Africa faces rising debt and natural disasters, exacerbating food insecurity and displacement. In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, Yemen, Syria, and Burundi were among the highest-risk nations globally, highlighting the region’s persistent instability.

    Pillutla concludes: “Geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and market volatility present significant challenges for both policymakers and investors. To effectively manage these risks, a sophisticated approach is necessary, emphasizing adaptation and diversification.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis, and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology, and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Visit by Foreign Minister, His Excellency Sugiono and high-level Indonesian business delegation to Australia

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Indonesian Foreign Minister His Excellency Sugiono, met today in Sydney to discuss cooperation on shared priorities under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This is Minister Sugiono’s first official visit to Australia since his appointment in October 2024.

    The Ministers highlighted the profound strategic trust and strong friendship that characterises the relationship between Indonesia and Australia.

    Australia and Indonesia are working to strengthen economic prosperity for both countries, advancing shared development priorities, enhancing the links between our people, and deepening longstanding cooperation on defence and regional security.

    The Ministers agreed to update the Plan of Action for the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2025–2029) ahead of the next Annual Leaders’ meeting. This plan will set key priorities for forward cooperation.

    A high-level Indonesian business delegation is also visiting Sydney this week. This builds on momentum from Australia’s largest ever investor mission to Indonesia last month, an initiative under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

    Indonesia’s strong economic growth represents an enormous opportunity for Australian businesses and investors. There is a great appetite amongst Indonesian consumers for Australian education, healthcare and consumer goods. At the same time, Indonesian investment into Australia has increased.

    Minister Sugiono will attend this evening’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between the Australian and Indonesian men’s soccer teams, alongside Indonesian Minister for Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo.

    Quotes attributable to Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

    “This visit to Australia by Minister Sugiono, Minister Dito Ariotedjo and a high-level Indonesian business delegation demonstrates the breadth of our bilateral relationship across political and strategic cooperation; economic partnership; and the strong links between our people.

    “Deepening our economic engagement with Indonesia is of enormous value to both our countries, and is a key part of Australia’s broader effort to diversify our economy, especially through growing markets in Southeast Asia.”

    Quotes attributable to Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Sugiono:

    “This visit signifies the strong partnership between our two countries which is built on shared values, mutual respect for sovereignty, and our unwavering commitment to take an active part in fostering peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and at the global stage.

    “We will continue to highlight our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, critical minerals, electric vehicle and battery products, agriculture and food security, education, research, defense and security, and people-to-people contact.”

    Media note: Imagery will be available via the DFAT Multimedia Library

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Wealth for Good speakers unveiled

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today announced the line-up of speakers for the third edition of the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, due to take place on March 26.

    This year’s summit, co-organised by the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong, has “Hong Kong of the World, for the World” as its theme. The event will strive to forge new connections and leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages under “one country, two systems” to drive innovation, investment and sustainable growth.

    Participants from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere in Asia will join Mainland and Hong Kong attendees at the event to exchange insights on art and culture, philanthropy, technology, and investments in artificial intelligence.

    Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said world-class speakers, and decision-makers from family offices, will gather in Hong Kong to explore how the city’s strategic advantages can shape a bright future and legacy.

    He added that attendees will get a feel for the unparalleled opportunities Hong Kong has to offer as a global family office hub that can drive sustainable growth and touch lives far beyond its own shores courtesy of its strong financial and legal infrastructure, global connectivity, and thriving professional and philanthropic ecosystem.

    Distinguished international speakers at the summit will include the World Economic Forum’s Head of GAEA Luis Alvarado, ADLEGACY Founder Horst Bente, Swarovski International Holding Vice Chairman Robert Buchbauer, Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy Board Chairman Adrian Cheng, Gates Foundation Senior Advisor and Director Steve Davis, and Clinique La Prairie Chief Executive Officer Simone Gibertoni.

    The line-up of speakers also includes BDT & MSD Partners Co-Chief Executive Officer Gregg Lemkau, Pony.ai Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer James Peng, Danantara Indonesia Chief Investment Officer Pandu Patria Sjahrir, Alibaba Group Co-founder and Chairman Joe Tsai, University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor Prof Irene Tracey, The Mall Group Chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh, and MiniMax Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Yeyi Yun.

    Part of Hong Kong Super March, the summit is the flagship event of Hong Kong’s Wealth & Investment Mega Event Week, which also includes the Milken Institute Global Investors’ Symposium and the HSBC Global Investment Summit. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Road blitz delivers for Melbourne’s west

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are fixing roads across Victoria, improving safety and better connecting Melbourne’s suburbs, Victoria’s regions, and surrounds.

    As part of our governments’ road blitz, we’re delivering two new projects in a big win for the west, including:

    • $55 million to duplicate and upgrade Central Avenue between Lunn Court and Skehan Boulevarde in Altona Meadows;
    • $3.5 million for a business case to upgrade Point Cook Road between Jamieson Way and Dunnings Road, building on previous work to develop the project scope. 

    As critical connecting roads to the Princes Freeway, these will be transformative projects for Melbourne’s west, reducing travel times and improving safety for the residents of Point Cook and surrounding growing suburbs. 

    The Princes Freeway is the main access road connecting the western suburbs to the city.

    It carries approximately 40,000 vehicles per day from Geelong, increasing to 90,000 vehicles per day at the Western Ring Road. 

    The Central Avenue and Point Cook intersection is used by nearly 28,000 vehicles a day.

    With congestion set to grow, travel times are expected to significantly increase. 

    These projects are part of the Albanese Labor Government’s $1 billion Road Blitz, matching the existing near billion-dollar road blitz campaign by the Allan Labor Government, who have since added an additional $200 million.

    This follows funding already allocated to five projects under the Road Blitz.

    Delivery timeframes for the projects will be determined in consultation with the Victorian Government.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “We’re giving Victorians the infrastructure they deserve after being short-changed by the former coalition government. 

    “This will be transformative project for Melbourne’s west, better connecting these growing suburbs with the city and the region.

    “The road blitz will fund projects to improve network efficiency, travel times and road safety in key areas of Melbourne and its surrounds.”

    Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams:

    “After ten years of neglect from the federal Liberal National Party, it’s fantastic to have a partner in Canberra that can find Victoria on a map and deliver critical investments to keep our state moving.”

    “Our growing communities deserve the very best road connections, which is why we are investing more to improve traffic flow and boost safety across Melbourne’s west.”

    “We are getting on delivering these critical road projects that Victorians use and depend on every day – boosting safety and cutting congestion.” 

    Quotes attributable to Member for Gellibrand Tim Watts:

    “Growing suburbs in Melbourne’s west need growing infrastructure investments to match. 

    “My constituents have been stuck in traffic for too long. ​

    “After a decade of neglect under the coalition, the federal Albanese government is acting, delivering the funding needed for building Australia’s future.

    “Residents in Point Cook have long been waiting for a fix for Point Cook Road.

    “This business case will provide the state government with a plan for the solution.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Point Cook Mathew Hilakari:

    “This expanded project and financial contribution means that we will be doing this road once and doing it properly, and I thank the federal government for its contribution.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Invite EPA Head Zeldin to South Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50) and Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), invited Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to visit San Diego’s South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBITWP) to see firsthand the ongoing environmental and public health consequences of the cross-border Tijuana River sewage crisis on local communities.
    Administrator Zeldin recently expressed concern about the flow of sewage flowing across the border, posting about a briefing he received on the crisis and pushing Mexico to “honor its commitments to control this pollution and sewage.” The lawmakers wrote to ensure new EPA leadership fully understands the scope of this environmental catastrophe and their role in addressing the environmental and public health harms it causes.
    “As you know, decades of underinvestment in cross-border wastewater infrastructure have led to the flow of untreated sewage into San Diego,” wrote the lawmakers. “EPA served as an important advocate for this issue in the last Trump Administration and we hope the agency will continue to do so once again.”
    “Researchers have recently discovered that toxins and bacteria from the Tijuana River can be aerosolized, unveiling additional potential risks to the air quality in our communities. EPA, working with the International Boundary and Water Commission, will play a critical role in addressing these issues and helping the region recover from decades of pollution and environmental degradation,” continued the lawmakers.
    Since 2018, more than 100 billion gallons of toxic sewage, trash, and unmanaged stormwater have flowed across the United States-Mexico border into the Tijuana River Valley and neighboring communities, forcing long-lasting beach closures and causing harmful impacts on public health, the environment, and water quality. U.S. military personnel, border patrol agents, and the local economy have also suffered harmful impacts from airborne and waterborne transboundary sewage flows. In 2023, sewage flowed across the border at the highest volume in a quarter century, exceeding 44 billion gallons.
    The SBIWTP project broke ground in October 2024, and over the next five years, the SBIWTP will double in capacity, reducing transboundary flows by 90 percent. Importantly, Mexico’s rehabilitated San Antonio de los Buenos wastewater treatment plant is expected to be fully operational by Spring 2025, further reducing flows to California communities. 
    Senator Padilla has prioritized addressing the Tijuana River pollution crisis since he first came to the Senate. In response to a request from Padilla and the San Diego Congressional delegation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opened an investigation into the public health impacts of air pollution caused by the ongoing Tijuana River transboundary pollution crisis. Senator Padilla and the delegation also recently secured a $200 million authorization for the Tijuana River Valley Watershed and San Diego County through the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 to help address the ongoing transboundary sewage crisis through stormwater conveyance, environmental and ecosystem restoration, and water quality protection projects. They also delivered over $103 million in additional funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) in the bipartisan FY 2024 appropriations package. Padilla previously successfully secured language in the FY 2023 appropriations package to allow the EPA to unlock $300 million previously secured in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to the IBWC for water infrastructure projects. Last year, Padilla and Representatives Peters and Vargas announced bicameral legislation to help combat the Tijuana River sewage pollution crisis.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Administrator Zeldin,
    We would like to invite you to visit the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) in the Tijuana River Valley and appreciate your interest in addressing the cross-border sewage crisis.
    As you know, decades of underinvestment in cross-border wastewater infrastructure have led to the flow of untreated sewage into San Diego. Since 2018, more than 100 billion gallons of toxic sewage, trash, and unmanaged stormwater have flowed across the United States-Mexico border into the Tijuana River Valley and neighboring communities, forcing long-lasting beach closures and negatively impacting the local economy, environment, and health of U.S. military and Homeland Security personnel. EPA served as an important advocate for this issue in the last Trump Administration and we hope the agency will continue to do so once again.
    While this wastewater pollution crisis is not new, it has intensified over the past two years. Researchers have recently discovered that toxins and bacteria from the Tijuana River can be aerosolized, unveiling additional potential risks to the air quality in our communities. EPA, working with the International Boundary and Water Commission, will play a critical role in addressing these issues and helping the region recover from decades of pollution and environmental degradation.
    We look forward to working with you on this important issue, and we hope to host you at SBIWTP so you can see first-hand the challenges confronting our region. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –