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Category: European Union

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israel’s actions in Gaza, backed by the US, are shaking the world order to its core

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tristan Dunning, Sessional Academic, School of Social Sciences, Macquarie University

    While the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could have provided an off-ramp for the conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing vows of “total victory” make this seem unlikely.

    The concept of “total victory”, however, is extremely problematic. Every time Israel declares an area cleared of Hamas and then withdraws, Hamas, which carried out the horrific attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023, has quickly returned to reestablish control.

    As a result, there has been a marked Israeli escalation in northern Gaza in recent days, and much discussion about a so-called “general’s plan” being pushed by some right-wing members of Netanyahu’s government.

    Concocted by a former Israeli general, Giora Eiland, the plan is, in essence, to forego negotiations, bisect the enclave and give northern Gaza’s 400,000 inhabitants the bleak choice between leaving and dying.

    We don’t know whether Netanyahu will officially endorse the plan. Israeli leaders reportedly told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week they are not implementing it. However, it nonetheless has broad support among Israel’s political and military elite.

    The Israeli military has already issued expulsion orders to the people of northern Gaza. The government has said anyone who remains would be considered a military target and will be deprived of food and water.

    While Israel denies obstructing humanitarian aid, the World Food Program said no food aid entered northern Gaza for two weeks in early October. While some aid has been entering since then, thousands are still at risk of starvation and outbreaks of preventable diseases.

    Moreover, many Palestinians, including the sick, elderly and wounded, are unable to move and have nowhere to go. The prospect of the overcrowded and unprotected tent cities of the south is hardly enticing.

    Israeli human rights groups say the military had been deliberately blocking aid to give the population no choice but to leave northern Gaza. Israel may now be backtracking under pressure from the United States, which has given Netanyahu’s government a 30-day deadline to increase the amount of aid it allows into Gaza or risk losing US weapons funding.

    Undermining international norms and rules

    Israel’s war against Gaza, and now Lebanon, has repeatedly challenged the foundations of the liberal international rules-based order set up after the second world war, as well as the tenets of international law, multilateral diplomacy, democracy and humanitarianism.

    The norms of the liberal world order are expressed in various institutions, such as:

    • the UN Charter
    • the UN Security Council, with its notionally legally binding resolutions
    • the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague
    • the Geneva Conventions governing the rules of war
    • the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
    • and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), among many others.

    Recently, the ICJ ruled Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem is illegal and ordered it to withdraw. In response, Netanyahu said the court had made a “decision of lies”.

    In a separate case, South Africa brought a charge to the ICJ, alleging Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinian people over the past year. The world’s top court has preliminarily ruled there is a “plausible” case for a finding of genocide, and said Israel must take measures to ensure its prevention.

    At this juncture, however, human rights groups and others have argued that Israel has failed to comply with this order, thereby undermining one of the key institutions of the liberal world order.

    This is compounded by the fact that few major democratic states have been willing to strongly condemn Israel’s failure to comply with international law in Gaza – or have done so belatedly – let alone intervened in any concrete fashion.

    In addition, the UN Security Council has failed – primarily due to the veto power exercised by the US – to take any tangible measures to enforce its own resolutions against Israel, as well as the rulings of the ICJ.

    This is fuelling widespread perceptions of hypocrisy in relation to the accountability of notionally democratic states for alleged violations of humanitarian law, compared with other nations that don’t have great power patrons.

    In the early 1990s, for instance, the UN Security Council unanimously passed several resolutions against Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, followed a decade later by resolutions demanding Saddam Hussein’s regime comply with weapons inspection mandates. The US and its allies used these resolutions as the legal justification for their invasion of Iraq. Ultimately, no weapons of mass destruction were found. Then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan later said the invasion of Iraq was illegal and contrary to the UN Charter.

    However, dozens of UN Security Council resolutions concerning Israel have been passed and not enforced. Many others have been vetoed by the US.

    The prosecutors of the ICC have also requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes against humanity (in addition to several Hamas leaders, now dead). The warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant were met with indignation by some Western politicians. Yet, the West broadly praised the ICC’s arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    Furthermore, the US Congress attempted to sanction the court over the Netanyahu arrest warrant, once again underscoring the often selective way in which international law is applied by nation states.

    A crisis of legitimacy for the world order

    Democratic states like to present themselves as the protectors, and sometimes enforcers, of the liberal world order, ensuring continued international peace and security.

    Indeed, Israel and its supporters often characterise its military actions as the forward defence of the democratic world against tyrannical larger powers, as a means of protecting itself from adversaries that want to destroy it. The problem is Israel’s actions often directly contradict the liberal world order it purports to defend, thereby undermining its legitimacy.

    Failure to rein in Israel’s actions has led to accusations of “double standards” regarding international law. The US and Germany provide Israel with 99% of its arm imports and diplomatic cover. Although Germany has stopped approving new weapons exports to Israel, both countries certainly have more leverage to stop the carnage in Gaza if they wish.

    The West’s self-abrogated moral superiority is arguably in tatters as it continues to undermine the principles of the liberal world order. The question is: if this world order falls, what will the new world order look like?

    Tristan Dunning has signed a statement of solidarity with Palestine from academics in Australian universities.

    Shannon Brincat has signed a statement of solidarity with Palestine from academics in Australian universities.

    Martin Kear does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Israel’s actions in Gaza, backed by the US, are shaking the world order to its core – https://theconversation.com/israels-actions-in-gaza-backed-by-the-us-are-shaking-the-world-order-to-its-core-241460

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, European scholars discuss human rights issues

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Over 60 officials and human rights scholars from China and European countries including Germany, Britain, Sweden, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic gathered in Berlin on Tuesday for a seminar focused on the protection of “new and emerging rights.”

    The seminar addressed key topics including social rights, economic inequality, the intersection of digital technology and human rights, and protecting human rights in the context of climate change.

    Ma Huaide, vice president of China Society for Human Rights Studies and president of China University of Political Science and Law, said the protection of emerging rights has become a new issue in global human rights development.

    Ma emphasized China’s efforts in protecting citizens’ online security and privacy rights, as well as promoting environmental protection and green development. He also called for global cooperation to adopt a “humanity first” approach, promote true multilateralism to avoid imbalances in the global governance of emerging rights, and foster consensus through openness and fairness.

    Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and chairperson of the German think tank Schiller Institute, praised China’s vision of a shared future for mankind, as well as initiatives like the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, which transcend narrow geopolitical interests to address modern human rights needs.

    Jure Zovko, president of the International Academy for the Philosophy of the Sciences, underscored the importance of dialogue between civilizations, urging mutual learning to protect human beings and their living conditions, while mitigating the risks associated with globalization.

    Jiang Jianxiang, director of the Central South University Human Rights Center, said that the diversity of emerging rights concepts and their protection reflects the cultural diversity of the international community. He highlighted the potential for new insights through deeper cooperation and exchanges between Chinese and European human rights institutions and scholars.

    First held in 2015, the seminar, now in its eighth edition, is an institutionalized platform for in-depth exchanges and cooperation on human rights between China and Europe.

    This year’s seminar was co-hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the Central South University Human Rights Center, organized by the German and Chinese Culture Foundation, and co-organized by the University of Munster and the International Academy for the Philosophy of the Sciences.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MoU signed on green shipping corridor between Shanghai, Hamburg ports

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s Shanghai Port and the Port of Hamburg, Germany on Tuesday jointly announced the building of a green shipping corridor between the two ports, a move aimed at promoting their green transformation, strengthening cooperation and exchange, and collectively advancing the sustainable development of the global shipping industry.

    The Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, the Hamburg Port Authority, COSCO SHIPPING Lines Co., Ltd. and the Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on jointly building the green shipping corridor at the North Bund Forum, which opened in Shanghai on Tuesday.

    According to the MoU, the signing parties will cooperate in promoting the construction and use of shore power at the ports, explore and promote the necessary infrastructure, regulations and preferential policies needed for the supply, use and refueling of green fuels, and invite more partners to join in the efforts to achieve the green shipping corridor goal.

    Jens Meier, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority, said many other ports are expected to follow the example of building green shipping corridors.

    It’s not just an agreement between two ports, he said. “We should increase our network of green shipping corridors all over the world.”

    China has committed to a “dual carbon” goal of reaching the peak of carbon emissions by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060.

    As part of the efforts to contribute to the goal, Shanghai Port has signed agreements with the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to co-build green shipping corridors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Supporting the development of the logistics industry

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Frankie Yick and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):Question:     According to the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy promulgated by the Government in December last year, the maritime and port industry, with economic contribution accounting for 4.1 per cent of gross domestic product, facilitates the growth of trade and logistics industry as one of the four major economic pillars in Hong Kong. However, it has been reported that with the rapid development of neighbouring ports, the container throughput of Hong Kong has been on a downtrend, and some major ocean-‍going cargo shipping companies have even removed Hong Kong from their voyage itineraries, thus further affecting Hong Kong’s container throughput. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:(1) of the follow-up actions taken by the Government in response to the removal of Hong Kong from the voyage itineraries of some major ocean-going cargo shipping companies; whether it will introduce measures to attract these cargo shipping companies to put Hong Kong back on their voyage itineraries, including making reference to the practices of Singapore and the Mainland to exempt controlled goods for transhipment from licensing requirements, or streamlining the relevant procedures; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;(2) given that Hong Kong is an important entrepot for the Mainland, but cross-boundary land freight has been affected by the drop in container throughput of the Hong Kong port, and quite a number of cross-boundary goods vehicles have been forced to lie idle, of the progress of the Government’s work in developing new cargo sources for the cross-boundary land freight sector; and(3) as it is learnt that in the face of insufficient cargo volume, some small and medium enterprises in the logistics industry are on the verge of closing down, whether the authorities will introduce support measures to relieve the financial pressure of the industry; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?Reply: President,     Hong Kong is an international maritime centre, with its port being one of the world’s busiest and most efficient ports and its comprehensive strengths in terms of port conditions, professional maritime service and overall business environment among the world’s best. Hong Kong also ranked fourth in the 2024 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index.       To further consolidate our status as an international maritime centre, further to the promulgation of the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy in December 2023, the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) will take forward various measures as announced in the 2024 Policy Address in full steam, including reconstituting the existing Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board (HKMPB) into the “Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board”, actively fostering the development of smart port, stepping up the promotion of green transformation of registered ships, developing a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, as well as promoting the development of high value-added maritime and professional services, such as the enhancement of tax concessions relating to ship lessors and shipping commercial principals, encouragement of leading or high-potential marine insurance operators to establish presence in Hong Kong and exploration of tax concessions relating to commodity trading, thereby strengthening the local maritime ecosystem. We will materialise the aforesaid measures in a proactive manner in order to boost the competitiveness of the maritime industry.     Our reply to Hon Frankie Yick’s question is as follows:(1) Enhancing port competitiveness is one of the four major directions of development mentioned in the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy. As a major transshipment port in the region, enhancing Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a cargo transshipment hub, promoting the strengths of Hong Kong Port (HKP) and strengthening co-operation with the Mainland are important means to boost port cargo transshipment throughput.     In terms of enhancing Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a cargo transshipment hub, as announced by the Chief Executive in his 2024 Policy Address, the Government is exploring the feasibility of extending the arrangements under the Air Transhipment Cargo Exemption Scheme, that is, exempting the import and export licence requirements on specified controlled commodities, to other intermodal cargo transshipment modes, including sea-to-sea transshipment. In addition, in view of the international maritime industry’s increasing concern about decarbonisation, we will develop Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, so as to attract ocean-going vessels using green maritime fuels to call at Hong Kong, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of HKP.     As regards promoting the strengths of HKP, the Government has been working with the industry to strengthen external promotion and liaison. For example, HKMPB visited Tokyo, Japan and Hamburg, Germany as well as Athens, Greece in Europe, in July and September this year respectively to visit various ports and companies in the maritime industry. It will also visit the Middle East at the end of this year, with a view to allowing the relevant stakeholders there to learn about the strengths and latest development of Hong Kong’s maritime and port industry, and explore new cooperation opportunities.     Regarding enhancing cooperation with the Mainland, the container terminal operators of Hong Kong, with the support of the Government, have signed multiple cooperation agreements with different regions of the Mainland. Amongst others, Hong Kong container terminal operators signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group in May 2024 to strengthen Hong Kong-Guangxi cooperation on the port and logistics fronts. In August 2024, under the cooperation between a Hong Kong container terminal operator and Shenzhen Yantian Port, the Chongqing-Shenzhen-Hong Kong scheduled rail-sea service commenced, which allows export cargoes from Chongqing to be exported via Shenzhen Yantian Port and Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in Hong Kong through the sea-rail intermodal transshipment mode, thereby bringing more cargo to Hong Kong. In addition, Hong Kong’s port industry is also cooperating with Shenzhen Dachan Bay Terminals on handling high-value cold chain products by facilitating fast and efficient transshipment of containers from Hong Kong to Dachan Bay by barges, so that the relevant cargoes can reach cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) speedily, thereby strengthening HKP’s connectivity with other ports and cargo sources in the Mainland.(2) As a regional logistics hub, Hong Kong has all along been one of the major gateways for air and sea cargoes to and from the GBA. With the commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), the driving distance between Hong Kong and Western Guangdong and Guangxi has been greatly shortened, thereby further unleashing the enormous potential for logistics cooperation between Hong Kong and the two aforesaid places. For this reason, the Government has proposed in the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development to actively explore new cargo sources and new opportunities for cross-boundary land freight transport in relation to Western Guangdong and its neighbouring regions by enhancing multimodal transport measures and making good use of the HZMB.     The TLB has been actively discussing with Zhuhai on enhancing synchronised development on the logistics front between Hong Kong and Zhuhai by making good use of the HZMB. The TLB also visited Zhuhai in March 2023 together with the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council to learn about Zhuhai’s logistics development and explore cooperation opportunities. Apart from Zhuhai, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics also led a delegation to Zhanjiang, Guangdong, in June 2024 to learn about the business opportunities in logistics development between Hong Kong and Zhanjiang arising from the “New Land-Sea Corridor for Western Regions”. In addition, the Transport and Logistics Bureau also signed the “Framework Agreement on Deepening Strategic Co-operation for the Guangxi-Hong Kong Task Force on Transport and Logistics” with the Department of Transport of Guangxi in May this year, with a view to strengthening logistics cooperation with Guangxi, including cross-boundary land freight logistics.     The TLB will continue to enhance liaison and cooperation with Western Guangdong and its neighbouring regions, with a view to further enlarging the cargo catchment for Hong Kong’s cross-boundary land freight logistics sector.(3) The Government has been supporting the development of Hong Kong’s logistics industry through various measures. In terms of financial assistance, since 2020, the Government has been providing assistance to eligible logistics service providers through the $300 million Pilot Subsidy Scheme for Third-party Logistics Service Providers, with a view to supporting local logistics industry, especially small- and medium-sized third-party logistics service providers, to increase productivity by applying technology. On the other hand, we are also supporting logistics practitioners in receiving training, and providing sponsorship for logistics enterprises to engage interns, through the Professional Training on Smart and Green Logistics Scheme under the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund and Internship Scheme on Modern Logistics, respectively. In addition, the Chief Executive has announced in his 2024 Policy Address a number of measures to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including allowing borrowing enterprises (including those in the logistics sector) under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) to apply for principal moratorium for up to 12 months, and at the same time, offering the partial principal repayment options to new loans under the 80 per cent and 90 per cent guarantee products of the SFGS, so as to alleviate the repayment burden on SMEs, thereby creating more room for them to seize the opportunities brought about by economic recovery.     Enlarging cargo catchment and increasing cargo throughput is the most practical means to assist logistics enterprises. Hence, the Government will continue to implement various strategies and action measures set out in the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development promulgated in October 2023, including enhancing intermodal connectivity by implementing the Three-Places-One-Lock Scheme and the dedicated express route for air and land fresh and live products, making good use of HZMB and enhancing promotion of Hong Kong’s strengths in logistics development in the Mainland and overseas, with a view to attracting more cargoes to be transshipped through Hong Kong.     The Government will, through the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council and other platforms, continue to maintain communication with the trade, closely monitor the latest development of the logistics industry and introduce suitable measures at appropriate junctures to support the sustainable development of the logistics sector.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ancient, modern elements in harmony for new generation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    In a sleek recording studio, young Chinese musicians are gathered around their instruments. Clad in traditional hanfu — flowing robes with wide sleeves and intricate headpieces — they are preparing to create music, but there’s a twist.

    These musicians are not playing electric guitars or synthesizers, despite their rock-star aura and sunglasses. Instead, their hands grasp ancient Chinese instruments, including the erhu (a two-stringed fiddle), guzheng (a Chinese zither), suona (a piercing double-reed woodwind) and the zhongruan (a lute).

    The studio pulses with energy as they prepare to reimagine a popular song from the 1990s and transform it into a piece that bridges ancient and modern worlds.

    Their rendition, aptly titled Disco Dancing Version of Your Shining Knight, revives Hong Kong singer-actor Hacken Lee’s 1991 Cantonese hit, which resurfaced in popular culture after being featured in the 2018 Chinese comedy Hello Mr Billionaire.

    The original version of Your Shining Knight revisited the glitter-ball days of disco. But this new take combines disco beats with the sound of something far older — ancient Chinese melodies.

    The musicians pluck their strings and beat their drums, and perform in sync with AI-generated characters based on historical Chinese relics, such as a figurine of a dancer, and a musician from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220).

    The resulting music video released to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept 17, captured the imagination of the public, amassing over 15 million views across social media platforms.

    The use of ancient Chinese instruments to perform a pop song struck a chord, not only for its catchy beat but for how it masterfully intertwined the old and the modern.

    Crazy Folk music

    These musicians are part of a larger movement sweeping China that celebrates the rising popularity of guofeng music — a Chinese style that uses elements from traditional culture.

    As part of a video series called Crazy Folk, participating artists have released over 300 music videos since October 2020, featuring more than 200 Chinese musicians who give fresh life to pop songs through the distinctive sound of traditional Chinese instruments.

    Among popular covers are songs like Jay Chou’s Dao Xiang (Fragrant Rice), Liu Shuang’s Mohe Ballroom, and Japanese singer Yuu Takahashi’s The Wind Rises, making the old music instruments more relatable to younger audiences.

    These videos have traveled beyond Chinese music fans to reach international audiences via YouTube and other media platforms. With performances filmed against the stunning backdrops of cities such as Changsha, Hunan province, Luoyang, Henan province and Xiamen, Fujian province, the Crazy Folk series not only showcases China’s rich musical traditions, but also highlights the breathtaking beauty of the country’s landscapes and historic sites.

    “These videos still give me goose bumps!” a viewer from Nepal, Banaz Gurung, commented on YouTube, reflecting the emotional impact of this innovative project.

    Behind Crazy Folk is a talented group of young musicians in their late 20s and early 30s, all classically trained at prestigious music conservatories.

    Li Haoyan, one of the project’s core team members, said the appeal of traditional Chinese music lies not only in its distinctive sound, but also in the aesthetic beauty of the instruments themselves.

    “Traditional Chinese music is incredibly expressive,” said Li. “The instruments evoke powerful emotions, and visually, they are captivating to modern audiences.”

    Young people in China are increasingly drawn to their cultural heritage, seeking to reconnect with traditional values in a world being rapidly shaped by globalization, she added.

    Connecting with heritage

    The team’s mission is not just to preserve these ancient sounds but to breathe new life into them through technology. By using artificial intelligence and storytelling, they are creating new ways to present traditional music and incorporating history, museum artifacts, and cultural relics into their performances.

    For Xue Yiying, a 26-year-old erhu player from Chengdu, Sichuan province, performing traditional music in a modern context feels both nostalgic and fresh. “I grew up playing the erhu, learning the instrument from my grandmother, who was passionate about traditional Chinese music,” Xue recalled.

    The erhu, often described as China’s answer to the violin, is known for its hauntingly beautiful tone and is capable of expressing a wide range of emotions.

    “I used to play it in the typical, softer style,” Xue said, “but Crazy Folk opened my eyes to a whole new way of performing. We’re taking songs that people already love and giving them a new twist.”

    Xue explained how playing a well-known pop song on an ancient instrument like the guqin or pipa injects new life into the piece. “It’s like rediscovering something familiar in a completely new way,” she said.

    “These instruments are timeless. Our goal isn’t just to preserve tradition but to show how these instruments, some over 1,000 years old, can still move and inspire audiences today — especially younger generations who may never have paid attention to them before.”

    This growing interest among China’s youth is part of a broader cultural movement. Many young Chinese are consciously reconnecting with their heritage, seeing traditional music as a way to explore their identity in an era of rapid change.

    Central to this resurgence is the guofeng (national style) movement, which celebrates Chinese aesthetics in fashion, music, and art. The rise of guofeng music, in particular, is a testament to the blending of ancient melodies with modern production techniques, combining classical poetry, traditional instruments, and contemporary themes. This fusion has fostered a greater appreciation for traditional Chinese art forms, especially among younger audiences.

    Social media platforms like Douyin and Bilibili have played a pivotal role in the movement’s expansion. Viral videos of traditional Chinese instruments, modern pop covers, and collaborations between classical and contemporary artists have brought these ancient sounds to the forefront. This digital exposure has made traditional music more accessible, and more importantly, relevant to today’s youth.

    Veteran virtuoso

    One of the most popular folk musicians among young users of Bilibili is the gray-haired pipa player Fang Jinlong.

    Aged in his early 60s, Fang became a viral star after he gave a 12-minute performance at the New Year’s Eve concert on Dec 31,2019, which was livestreamed. The performance, Rhythm World, featured Fang performing with a 100-member orchestra. He played an array of traditional musical instruments from China, India, Italy, and Japan, and even performed a solo by tapping on his own face. To appeal to young fans, he incorporated elements from Chinese martial arts culture, American folk music and Japanese anime.

    Since that performance, Fang has been sharing videos showcasing the versatility of ancient Chinese musical instruments by working with players of various styles, from classical musicians to rock stars.

    “Never doubt the charm of traditional Chinese music. All you need to do is to watch and listen,” said Fang, who has great confidence in the appeal of these old instruments.

    “Though the instruments are very old, they can be fun and contemporary. What I need to do is to experiment and let the music reach the young people.”

    Other art forms based in tradition, such as classic Chinese dance and hanfu, are also rising in popularity with young people.

    “This interest is partly driven by a desire to reconnect with traditional values and aesthetics in a rapidly modernizing and globalized world. For them, traditional Chinese music, with its deep historical roots, symbolizes a rich cultural legacy that offers a sense of identity and belonging,” Fang said.

    Another rising star in the guofeng movement is Little Green Onion, a group of musicians led by songwriter Zhou Mingcong.

    With their hybrid of pop and traditional music, they have captivated audiences with songs like Bi Shang Guan, or Reflections on the Walls, which has been viewed over 100 million times since its release in 2019.Inspired by the Mogao Caves mural paintings in Dunhuang, Gansu province, Zhou’s music evokes memories of China’s distant past while remaining contemporary.

    This year, the song was adapted and re-performed on social media platforms over 300,000 times, making it a hit again. Veteran vocalist Gong Linna also did a version of the song.

    Cultural DNA

    Zhou, who studied at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, describes his work as a blend of pop and Peking Opera. His first release, Kuang Lang Sheng, explored themes of loneliness and dreams through the lens of traditional Chinese opera and delighted listeners across China.

    “Chinese music and operas have a unique charm,” said Zhou. “It’s like cultural DNA in our blood. The moment we hear traditional music, we understand it on a deep, emotional level. It connects us to something ancient yet profoundly present.”

    Zhou pointed out that guofeng’s influence is not just confined to music. The style is increasingly appearing in video games, notably Black Myth: Wukong, a hit action game based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

    The game’s soundtrack blends traditional Chinese instruments with modern orchestral music, creating a cinematic experience that resonates with fans of both ancient culture and modern gaming.

    The ability to blend old and new is what makes guofeng music so relevant today, Zhou said. In a world where cultural pride is rising alongside technological advances, traditional Chinese music has found its place once again. This renaissance is not about nostalgia, but about evolution — taking the best of the past and fusing it with the possibilities of the future, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man arrested in east London as Met tackles criminals who target parcel delivery drivers

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been arrested in an intelligence-led operation as part of the Met’s ongoing response to thefts and robberies from parcel delivery vans and drivers.

    At around 14:30hrs on Tuesday, 22 October, officers based in Newham supported by Flying Squad colleagues stopped a car in High Street South, East Ham. The driver, a man aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of theft from a parcel delivery van in addition to failing to stop for police and driving offences.

    He was found to be in possession of a number of parcels which are believed to have been stolen less than 30 minutes earlier from a parcel delivery van in Newham. The driver of the van had briefly left his vehicle to deliver a parcel, when three males broke into the van and made off with a number of packages.

    Enquiries are ongoing to locate the two outstanding suspects.

    In seeking to evade arrest, the arrested man’s vehicle collided with three police vehicles. Thankfully no officer was injured. The man was taken to hospital as a precaution due to injuries sustained during the collisions.

    DCI Laura Hillier, Specialist Crime, said: “A team of police officers, including specialist Met Taskforce and Flying Squad detectives, are continuing an operation to tackle crime against parcel delivery firms and their staff.

    “As one suspect found out this afternoon, we are using innovative tactics and dedicating significant resources to identify those believed to be responsible and arrest them.

    “Anyone with information about people who commit these offences is urged to call 101 or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers and quote Operation Soslink.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Unifiedpost Group announces changes in Leadership team and Board composition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    INSIDE INFORMATION

    La Hulpe, Belgium – 23 October 2024, 7:00 am. CET – INSIDE INFORMATION – Unifiedpost Group SA (Euronext Brussels: UPG) (Unifiedpost, Company), a leading provider of integrated business communications solutions, announces the appointment of Nicolas de Beco as its CEO, effective December 1, 2024. Founder and current CEO Hans Leybaert will transition to Executive Chairman. Additionally, the Board has co-opted two new members: Crescemus BV, represented by Pieter Bourgeois, and PDMT Investments LLC, represented by Peter Mulroy. The Board further plans to nominate potential Board members at the next Ordinary General Shareholder Meeting. These changes align with our commitment to enhance governance and strengthen the position of Unifiedpost.

    Summary of appointments:

    • Nicolas de Beco has been appointed as the new CEO of Unifiedpost, effective December 1, 2024. Nicolas succeeds Hans Leybaert, who will transition to Executive Chairman of the Board.
    • Crescemus BV, represented by Pieter Bourgeois, has been co-opted as a non-executive director, replacing AS Partner BV, represented by Stefan Yee, who stepped down on October 1, 2024. Crescemus will represent Alychlo NV in the Board. The mandate will take effect as from October 23, 2024.
    • PDMT Investments LLC, represented by Peter Mulroy, has been co-opted as independent director, replacing Sopharth BV, represented by Philippe De Backer, who stepped down on October 1, 2024. The mandate will take effect as from October 23, 2024.
    • The Board plans to nominate four potential Board members at the next Ordinary Shareholder Meeting in May 2025.

    Appointment of Nicolas de Beco as CEO; Hans Leybaert becomes executive chairman.

    Unifiedpost is pleased to announce Nicolas de Beco as its new CEO, effective December 1, 2024. Nicolas will succeed Hans Leybaert, who will transition into the role of Executive Chairman. Nicolas brings extensive experience in scaling SaaS businesses and driving operational excellence, both of which are essential to Unifiedpost’s current strategic priorities, as the company continues to execute on its organic growth plans and capitalise on opportunities arising from regulatory reforms across Europe. Hans Leybaert will remain on board to guide the strategy implementation of the company.

    Hans Leybaert stated, “We welcome Nicolas as our new CEO, and I am excited to transition into the role of Executive Chairman. Nicolas brings a wealth of experience to Unifiedpost, having served as Senior Vice President of Strategy at Quadient and President of the French Foreign Trade Advisors in New England. His proven ability to understand and address customer needs aligns with our commitment to customer-centric innovation. I am confident that this transition will keep Unifiedpost on track to becoming the leading digital platform for administrative, financial, payment, and communication processes. Nicolas will bring fresh ideas that will accelerate our growth.”

    Nicolas de Beco stated: “I’m excited to join Unifiedpost, Europe’s leading SaaS provider for Financial Automation. With the support of 1.000+ dedicated employees and a strong base of 1,3 million customers, I look forward to leading the team towards sustained, profitable growth and shareholder returns.”

    Co-optation of new Board members

    Following the announcement on July 8, 2024, Stefan Yee, representing AS Partners BV, has decided to voluntarily step down as chairman and member of the Board after nearly 10 years of service since 2014, effective October 1, 2024. Additionally, Philippe De Backer, representing Sopharth BV, has also stepped down from the Board effective October 1, 2024, due to a new professional commitment that prevents his continued service on the Unifiedpost Board.

    Following this, the Board of Directors has decided to co-opt Pieter Bourgeois, representing Crescemus BV, and Peter Mulroy, representing PDMT Investments LLC, as directors effective October 23, 2024. Pieter Bourgeois, who will replace Stefan Yee, is the CEO of Alychlo NV and will represent Alychlo on the Board. Peter Mulroy, replacing Philippe De Backer, will serve as an independent director and brings over 40 years of experience in global trade, receivables, and supply chain finance. The Board will seek ratification of these appointments from the Ordinary General Shareholder Meeting in May 2025. These changes reflect Unifiedpost’s commitment to maintaining a diverse and experienced Board, ensuring strong corporate governance. The newly appointed members’ extensive international experience aligns with Unifiedpost’s ambitions to accelerate the growth of digital services and enhance value for our shareholders and customers.

    Commenting on the announcement, Hans Leybaert stated, “First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Stefan Yee and Philippe De Backer for their significant contributions to Unifiedpost during their tenure on our Board. Their insights and dedication have been invaluable to our growth. As we welcome Pieter Bourgeois and Peter Mulroy as new members, I am confident that their expertise will further enhance our governance. Pieter, representing Alychlo, underscores our commitment to a strong Board, while Peter’s extensive background in global trade and finance will be instrumental as we continue to advance our strategic objectives. We look forward to the fresh perspectives our new Board members will bring while building upon the strong foundation laid by their predecessors”.

    Pieter Bourgeois, CEO of Alychlo, added, “As long-term investors, we have always believed in the company’s potential and the value it can unlock for all shareholders. We appreciate the collaborative approach taken by Unifiedpost’s leadership to implement these governance changes, which we believe are a testament to Unifiedpost’s commitment to adopt best practices and strengthen oversight. I am honoured to join the board and look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow directors and management to drive sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.”

    Planned nominations by the Board.

    To further expand the experience of the Board and give it a more international character, the Board shall propose to nominate four additional directors at the next Ordinary General Shareholder Meeting, scheduled for May 20, 2025:

    • Nathalie Van den Haute, representing Quilaudem BV, shall be proposed to be nominated as a non-executive director. Nathalie is an Investment Principal at Alychlo NV and will represent Alychlo on the Board. She has extensive experience in corporate finance and equity capital markets, having held various leadership positions at KBC Securities.
    • Koen Hoffman, representing Ahok BV, shall be proposed to be nominated as an independent director. Koen is the CEO of Value Square and serves on the boards of Greenyard, Fagron, and MDxHealth in independent capacities.
    • Leanne Kemp shall be proposed to be nominated as an independent director. Leanne is the founder and CEO of Everledger. A prominent figure in the technology sector, she co-chairs the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of Manufacturing and participates in the Global Future Council on Blockchain. Additionally, Leanne leads workstreams at the Global Blockchain Business Council, co-chairs the Sustainable Trade Action Group for the World Trade Board and serves on the IBM Blockchain Platform Board of Advisors.  
    • Nicolas de Beco, representing Beco Global Consulting LLC, shall be proposed to be nominated as executive director.

    The Board shall propose to nominate them for a four-year term, effective from the next Ordinary General Shareholder Meeting. Additionally, the Board shall propose that the shareholders align the terms of the mandates for Crescemus BV and PDMT Investments LLC with this four-year term.

    With these changes to its governance structure, Unifiedpost highlights the international experience of its Board. This reinforces the company’s ambition to become a leading Pan-European player in its market segment.

    Please visit Unifiedpost’s website for more information about the Board of Directors.

    Contact:
    Alex Nicoll
    Investor Relations
    Unifiedpost Group
    alex.nicoll@unifiedpost.com

    About Unifiedpost Group

    Unifiedpost is a leading cloud-based platform for SME business services built on “Documents,” “Identity” and “Payments”. Unifiedpost operates and develops a 100% cloud-based platform for administrative and financial services that allows real-time and seamless connections between Unifiedpost’s customers, their suppliers, their customers, and other parties along the financial value chain. With its one-stop-shop solutions, Unifiedpost’s mission is to make administrative and financial processes simple and smart for its customers. For more information about Unifiedpost Group and its offerings, please visit our website: Unifiedpost Group | Global leaders in digital solutions

    Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: The statements contained herein may include prospects, statements of future expectations, opinions, and other forward-looking statements in relation to the expected future performance of Unifiedpost Group and the markets in which it is active. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions regarding future events. By nature, they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that appear justified at the time at which they are made but may not turn out to be accurate. Actual results, performance or events may, therefore, differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, Unifiedpost Group does not undertake any obligation to update, clarify or correct any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in light of new information, future events or otherwise and disclaims any liability in respect hereto. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Planisware – Q3 2024 revenue

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q3 2024 revenue of € 47.0 million

    • Year-on-year revenue growth in constant currencies of +18.7% in Q3 and +19.3% for the 9 first months of the year
    • Record high commercial pipeline but longer customer decision-making process driving delayed signature and start of new contracts
    • More cautious view on revenue growth in Q4
    • Improving profitability thanks to continuous progress in operational efficiency and better activity mix
    • Revision of 2024 objectives announced in September 2023:
      • 2024 revenue growth in constant currencies between +17% and +18%
        (vs. c. 19.5%)
      • Adjusted EBITDA margin raised to approximately 34% (vs. c. 33%)
      • Cash Conversion Rate of c. 80% confirmed

    Paris, October 23, 2024 – Planisware, a leading B2B provider of SaaS in the rapidly growing Project Economy market, announces today its revenue for the third quarter of 2024. Revenue amounted to € 47.0 million, up by +18.2% in current currencies, mainly led by the continued success of the Group’s market-leading SaaS platform. In constant currencies, revenue growth reached +18.7% (€+7.4 million) in Q3 and +19.3% (€+21.6 million) for the first nine months of the year. Recurring revenue amounted to €41.4 million in Q3 (88% of revenue) and was up by +21.2% in constant currencies.

    Loïc Sautour, CEO of Planisware, commented: “During the third quarter of 2024, Planisware delivered a solid +18.7% revenue growth in constant currencies, led by the continued success of our SaaS operations. This was a bit lower than expected due to elongated customers’ decision-making process since the end of the summer on the back of political concerns in France and difficulties seen in some of our key verticals such as automotive.

    Taking into account some uncertainties in the closing timing of delayed signatures and the start of some contracts, we adopt a cautious view for the end of the year. As a results, we now target annual revenue growth between +17% and +18% in constant currencies.

    In parallel, we continue to benefit from the evolution of our activity mix and to deliver further operational efficiencies on employee-related costs enabling to raise our 2024 profitability objective to c. 34% while confirming our cash conversion rate objective of c. 80%.

    Beyond the current quarter, we continue to build on our record high commercial pipeline fuelled by increasing demands for strategic portfolio management tools that help companies to better align their resources with strategic business goals. This dynamic is paving the way towards our ambition to be the accelerator of the Project Economy and the number one provider of multi-specialty project and portfolio management software solutions.”

    Q3 2024 revenue by revenue stream

    In € million Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Variation
    YoY    		 Variation
    in cc*
    Recurring revenue 41.4 34.3 +20.7% +21.2%
    SaaS & Hosting 20.8 17.1 +21.9% +22.3%
    Evolutive support 13.0 10.4 +24.6% +25.2%
    Subscription support 2.8 2.2 +29.4% +30.3%
    Maintenance 4.8 4.6 +3.8% +4.1%
    Non-recurring revenue 5.6 5.1 +8.3% +8.7%
    Perpetual license 2.0 1.3 +57.3% +58.0%
    Implementation & others non-recurring 3.5 3.8 -8.1% -7.9%
    Revenue with customers 47.0 39.4 +19.1% +19.6%
    Other revenue – 0.3    
    Total revenue 47.0 39.7 +18.2% +18.7%

    * Revenue evolution in constant currencies, i.e. at Q3 2023 average exchange rates

    Reaching €47.0 million in Q3 2024, revenue was up by +18.2% in current currencies and +18.7% in constant currencies. The exchange rates effect was mostly related to the appreciation of the euro versus the US dollar and the Japanese yen compared to Q3 2023. In order to reflect the underlying performance of the Company independently from exchange rates fluctuations, the following analysis refers to revenue evolution in constant currencies, applying Q3 2023 average exchange rates to Q3 2024 revenue figures, unless expressly stated otherwise.

    Recurring revenue

    Representing 88% of Q3 2024 revenue versus 86% in Q3 2023, recurring revenue reached €41.4 million, up by +21.2%.

    Revenue growth was fully led by Planisware’s SaaS model (i.e. SaaS & Hosting and Evolutive & Subscription support) up +23.9%, with SaaS & Hosting revenue up by +22.3% thanks to contracts secured with new customers as well as continued expansion within the installed base. Revenue of support activities (Evolutive & Subscription support), intrinsically related to Planisware’s SaaS offering, grew by +26.1%.

    Maintenance revenue was up by +4.1% in the context of the Group’s shift from its prior license model to a SaaS model.

    Non-recurring revenue

    Non-recurring revenue was up by +8.7%, helped by perpetual licenses extensions and upgrades sold in Q3 2024 to established customers with specific on-premise needs.

    The continued effort to deliver shorter implementations and to bring value faster to customers continued to drive down the planned revenue decline in Implementation. At -7.9% in Q3, revenue decline was accented by delays in the start of projects.

    Confirmed leadership of Planisware

    Planisware’s broad recognition from third-party industry analysts was further confirmed by the latest 2024 Gartner® “Magic QuadrantTMfor Adaptive Project Management and Reporting report.” published on September 5, 2024 and in which Gartner reasserted Planisware as a Leader, emphasizing “robust integrations, dynamic reporting, and native collaboration functionality” and a roadmap that “includes investments to bolster objective and key result (OKR) capabilities, automate work effort tracking, and deliver additional AI-driven features”.

    2024 objectives

    During its process to prepare its IPO, Planisware communicated to investors its 2024 objectives as early as September 2023.

    Planisware communicates today a revised set of 2024 objectives to take into account the uncertainties in the closing timing of delayed signatures and the start of some contracts. The Group adopts a more cautious view for year-end revenue growth. In parallel, continuous progress in operational efficiency and improving activity mix enable Planisware to raise its profitability objective, while confirming its objective for cash generation. As a consequence, Planisware’s 2024 objectives are:

    • Revenue growth in constant currencies between +17% and +18% (c. 19.5% priorly)
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 34% (approximately 33% priorly)
    • Cash Conversion Rate of c.80% confirmed

    Appendices

    YTD 2024 revenue by revenue stream

    In € million 9M 2024 9M 2023 Variation
    YoY    		 Variation
    in cc*
    Recurring revenue 118.0 96.4 +22.5% +22.9%
    SaaS & Hosting 59.6 46.6 +27.8% +28.0%
    Evolutive support 35.9 29.8 +20.4% +21.1%
    Subscription support 8.4 6.3 +34.8% +35.0%
    Maintenance 14.1 13.6 +3.4% +3.5%
    Non-recurring revenue 15.5 15.3 +1.9% +2.0%
    Perpetual license 6.1 3.6 +70.1% +70.4%
    Implementation & others non-recurring 9.4 11.7 -19.2% -19.1%
    Revenue with customers 133.6 111.6 +19.7% +20.0%
    Other revenue – 0.7    
    Total revenue 133.6 112.3 +18.9% +19.3%

    * Revenue evolution in constant currencies, i.e. at 9M 2023 average exchange rates

    Q3 2024 revenue Investors & Analysts conference call

    Planisware’s management team will host an international conference call on October 23, 2024 at 8:00am CET to details Q3 2023 performance and key achievements, by means of a presentation followed by a Q&A session. The webcast and its subsequent replay will be available on planisware.com.

    Upcoming event

    • February 27, 2025:        FY 2024 results publication

    Contact

    About Planisware

    Planisware is a leading business-to-business (“B2B”) provider of Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) in the rapidly growing Project Economy. Planisware’s mission is to provide solutions that help organizations transform how they strategize, plan and deliver their projects, project portfolios, programs and products.

    With more than 700 employees across 14 offices, Planisware operates at significant scale serving around 600 organizational clients in a wide range of verticals and functions across more than 30 countries worldwide. Planisware’s clients include large international companies, medium-sized businesses and public sector entities.

    Planisware is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Compartment A, ISIN code FR001400PFU4, ticker symbol “PLNW”). For more information, visit: https://planisware.com/

    Connect with Planisware on: LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

    Disclaimer

    Forward-looking statements

    This document contains statements regarding the prospects and growth strategies of Planisware. These statements are sometimes identified by the use of the future or conditional tense, or by the use of forward-looking terms such as “considers”, “envisages”, “believes”, “aims”, “expects”, “intends”, “should”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “thinks”, “wishes” and “might”, or, if applicable, the negative form of such terms and similar expressions or similar terminology. Such information is not historical in nature and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future performance. Such information is based on data, assumptions, and estimates that Planisware considers reasonable. Such information is subject to change or modification based on uncertainties in the economic, financial, competitive or regulatory environments.

    This information includes statements relating to Planisware’s intentions, estimates and targets with respect to its markets, strategies, growth, results of operations, financial situation and liquidity. Planisware’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Absent any applicable legal or regulatory requirements, Planisware expressly disclaims any obligation to release any updates to any forward-looking statements contained in this document to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances, on which any forward-looking statement contained in this document is based. Planisware operates in a competitive and rapidly evolving environment; it is therefore unable to anticipate all risks, uncertainties or other factors that may affect its business, their potential impact on its business or the extent to which the occurrence of a risk or combination of risks could have significantly different results from those set out in any forward-looking statements, it being noted that such forward-looking statements do not constitute a guarantee of actual results.

    Rounded figures

    Certain numerical figures and data presented in this document (including financial data presented in millions or thousands and certain percentages) have been subject to rounding adjustments and, as a result, the corresponding totals in this document may vary slightly from the actual arithmetic totals of such information.

    Variation in constant currencies

    Variation in constant currencies represent figures based on constant exchange rates using as a base those used in the prior year. As a result, such figures may vary slightly from actual results based on current exchange rates.

    Non-IFRS measures

    This document includes certain unaudited measures and ratios of the Group’s financial or non-financial performance (the “non-IFRS measures”), such as “recurring revenue”, “non-recurring revenue”, “gross margin”, “Adjusted EBITDA”, “Adjusted EBITDA margin”, “Adjusted Free Cash Flow”, “cash conversion rate”, “churn rate” and “Net Retention Rate” (or “NRR”). Non-IFRS financial information may exclude certain items contained in the nearest IFRS financial measure or include certain non-IFRS components. Readers should not consider items which are not recognized measurements under IFRS as alternatives to the applicable measurements under IFRS. These measures have limitations as analytical tools and readers should not treat them as substitutes for IFRS measures. In particular, readers should not consider such measurements of the Group’s financial performance or liquidity as an alternative to profit for the period, operating income or other performance measures derived in accordance with IFRS or as an alternative to cash flow from (used in) operating activities as a measurement of the Group’s liquidity. Other companies with activities similar to or different from those of the Group could calculate non-IFRS measures differently from the calculations adopted by the Group.

    Non-IFRS measures included in this document are defined as follows:

    • Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Current operating profit including share of profit of equity-accounted investees, plus amortization and depreciation as well as impairment of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, plus either non-recurring items or non-operating items.
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin is the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to total revenue.
    • Adjusted FCF (Free Cash Flow) is calculated as cash flows from operating activities, plus IPO costs paid, if any, less other financial income and expenses classified as operating activities in the cash-flow statement, and less net cash relating to capital expenditures.
    • Cash Conversion Rate is defined as Adjusted FCF divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Planisware considers Cash Conversion Rate to be a meaningful financial measure to assess and compare the Group’s capital intensity and efficiency.
    • Net cash position is defined as Cash minus indebtedness excluding lease liabilities.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WithSecure Interim report 1 January – 30 September 2024: Elements software continues growth, profitability maintained despite challenges in services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WithSecure Corporation, Interim report 1 January – 30 September 2024, 23 October 2024 at 8.00 EEST

    WithSecure Interim report 1 January – 30 September 2024: Elements software continues growth, profitability maintained despite challenges in services

    Highlights of July – September 2024 (“third quarter”)

    • Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)1 for Elements Cloud products and services2 increased by 11% to EUR 81.8 million (EUR 73.8 million)
    • Elements Cloud ARR decrease from previous quarter was 1%
    • Net Revenue Retention for Elements Cloud was 104%
    • Revenue for Elements Cloud increased by 9% to EUR 20.7 million (EUR 19.0 million)
    • ARR for Cloud Protection for Salesforce increased by 38% to EUR 10.2 million (EUR 7.4 million)
    • CPSF Revenue increased by 20% to EUR 2.4 million (EUR 2.0 million)
    • Cyber security consulting revenue declined by 1% to EUR 7.5 million (EUR 7.7 million)
    • Adjusted EBITDA for WithSecure was EUR 1.9 million (EUR -2.3 million)
    • Items affecting comparability (IAC) of EBITDA were EUR -0.4 million (EUR -0.2 million).
    • Consulting-related goodwill was impaired by EUR 15.5 million in the third quarter
    1. Annual recurring revenue (ARR) of cloud products is calculated by multiplying monthly recurring revenue of last month of quarter by twelve.  Monthly recurring revenue includes recognized revenue within the month excluding non-recurring revenue
    2. Elements Cloud includes Elements Cloud portfolio software and services as well as the managed services

    Highlights of January – September 2024

    • Revenue for Elements Cloud products and services increased by 10% to EUR 61.8 million (EUR 56.4 million)
    • CPSF revenue increased by 5% to EUR 6.6 million (EUR 6.3 million)
    • Cyber security consulting revenue increased by 2% to EUR 23.6 million (EUR 23.2 million)
    • Adjusted EBITDA for WithSecure was EUR 0.7 million (EUR -16.3 million)
    • Items affecting comparability (IAC) of EBITDA were EUR -0.9 million (EUR -3.4 million).

    Outlook for 2024

    Outlook for 2024 (updated on 11 October 2024)
    Annual recurring revenue (ARR) for Elements Cloud products and services will grow by 6–14 % from the end of 2023. At the end of 2023, Elements Cloud ARR was EUR 78.4 million.

    Revenue from Elements Cloud products and services will grow by 8–12 % from previous year. Previous year revenue from Elements Cloud was EUR 76.1 million.

    Total revenue of the group will grow by 2– 5 % from previous year. Previous year revenue of the group was EUR 142.8 million.

    Adjusted EBITDA of full year 2024 will be positive.

    Outlook for 2024 (previous)
    Annual recurring revenue (ARR) for Elements Cloud products and services will grow by 10–20 % from the end of 2023. At the end of 2023, Elements Cloud ARR was EUR 78.4 million.

    Revenue from Elements Cloud products and services will grow by 10–16 % from previous year. Previous year revenue from Elements Cloud was EUR 76.1 million.

    Total revenue of the group will grow by 6–12 % from previous year. Previous year revenue of the group was EUR 142.8 million.

    Adjusted EBITDA of full year 2024 will be positive.

    Figures in this report are unaudited. Figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period in the previous year, unless otherwise stated. Percentages and figures presented may include rounding differences and might therefore not add up precisely to the totals presented.

    CEO Antti Koskela

    In the third quarter of 2024, WithSecure ARR for Elements Cloud products and services grew by 11 % to EUR 81.8 million (EUR 73.8 million). Elements Cloud revenue grew by 9 % to EUR 20.7 million (EUR 19.0 million). Despite the slightly disappointing revenue growth, profitability of both Elements Company segment and WithSecure Group was positive at the Adjusted EBITDA level. Cloud Protection for Salesforce business returned to the growth track, with ARR growth of 38 %.

    In the Elements Company, Elements software continued to perform with good year-on-year growth. In the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region, the revenue growth slowed down slightly, mostly due to the weakness of the German economy. In other European regions and Japan, the revenue and ARR growth continued. In Managed services, some large customers churned during third quarter. This development was affected by our increasing focus on selling managed services to mid-market customers through the Elements platform. However, despite the increase in the number of customers, revenue did not fully compensate for the churned accounts. Of the geographic regions, mostly the UK and the US have been impacted by the Managed services development.

    Exposure Management, introduced in SPHERE’24 reached General Availability during the third quarter. The customer demand for the newest module of Elements has remained high. Also, our AI assistant Luminen became available for all Elements customers in the third quarter.

    Elements Company Adjusted EBITDA was EUR 2.0 million (EUR -0.5 million), as a result of the cost savings of 2023 and continuous efficiency measures.

    In Cloud Protection for Salesforce (CPSF), focused efforts on improving sales efficiency resulted in breaking through the 10 million ARR threshold. ARR grew by 38 % to EUR 10.2 million (EUR 7.4 million). Revenue grew by 20 % to EUR 2.4 million (EUR 2.0 million). We continue to develop CPSF as an independent business in WithSecure. Profitability of the CPSF is moving towards break-even with the improving revenue.

    Cyber security consulting revenue was slightly below previous year’s level and was EUR 7.5 million (EUR 7.7 million). In some key accounts, we saw financial constraints in the third quarter. In the long term, we continue to see solid demand for cyber security consulting service. As announced on 31 October 2023, the Cyber security consulting business is under strategic review. We are in active discussions regarding divestment of the business, but no decision has been taken so far.

    Due to the gaps between actual and expected revenue, we lowered the financial outlook for 2024. For the changes in consulting revenue estimates and increased equity market risk, we recorded an impairment of the consulting-related goodwill of EUR 15.5 million in the third quarter.

    At the end of September, WithSecure’s headquarters moved to the new premises in Wood City, Helsinki. This is part of our plan of creating dynamic and collaborative workplaces, to welcome our employees and visitors and to foster well-being and creativity.

    Financial performance

    (mEUR) 7-9/2024 7-9/2023 Change % 1-9/2024 1-9/2023 Change % 1-12/2023
    Revenue 36.1 34.8 4% 109.2 104.8 4% 142.8
    Gross Margin 26.2 24.2 9% 78.4 72.6 8% 100.2
    % of revenue 72.6 % 69.5 %   71.8 % 69.3 %   70.2 %
    Other operating income1 0.7 0.2 227% 1.6 1.0 53% 1.4
    Operating expenses1 -25.0 -26.6 6% -79.2 -90.0 12% -117.7
    Sales & Marketing -13.7 -15.2 10% -42.9 -52.4 18% -68.1
    Research & Development -8.4 -8.2 3% -26.5 -27.6 4% -36.3
    Administration -3.0 -3.3 10% -9.8 -10.0 2% -13.3
    Adjusted EBITDA2 1.9 -2.3 182% 0.7 -16.3 -104% -16.1
    % of revenue 5.2 % -6.5 %   0.7 % -15.6 %   -11.3 %
    Items affecting comparability (IAC)              
    Other items -0.6 -0.1 -468% -1.6 -0.4 -301% -1.4
    Restructuring -0.4 -0.1 -303% -0.4 -4.4 90% -8.9
    Divestments 0.6     1.2 1.4 -15% 1.4
    EBITDA 1.5 -2.5 -160% -0.1 -19.7 99% -25.1
    % of revenue 4.1 % -7.1 %   -0.1 % -18.8 %   -17.6 %
    Depreciation & amortization, excluding PPA3 -2.6 -2.5 -5% -7.4 -7.6 2% -10.2
    Impairment -15.5 -6.2 -150% -15.5 -6.2 -150% -6.2
    PPA amortization -0.5 -0.6 15% -1.7 -1.8 4% -2.4
    EBIT -17.2 -11.8 46% -24.8 -35.3 30% -43.9
    % of revenue -47.5 % -33.8 %   -22.7 % -33.7 %   -30.7 %
    Adjusted EBIT2 -0.8 -4.8 84% -6.7 -23.9 72% -26.3
    % of revenue -2.1 % -13.7 %   -6.1 % -22.8 %   -18.4 %
    1. Excluding Items Affecting Comparability (IAC) and depreciation and amortization. In 2023 excludes also costs of services provided to F-Secure under TSA and equivalent income charged for TSA services. 
    2. Adjustments are material items outside the normal course of business associated with acquisitions, integration, restructuring, gains or losses from sales of businesses and other items affecting comparability. For reconciliation and a breakdown of adjusted costs, see Note 6 (Reconciliation of alternative performance measures)
    3. Amortization of intangible assets from business combinations (PPA, purchase price allocation, related amortizations). 
    (mEUR) 7-9/2024 7-9/2023 Change % 1-9/2024 1-9/2023 Change % 1-12/2023
    Earnings per share, (EUR)1 -0.10 -0.06 -69% -0.13 -0.16 18% -0.23
    Deferred revenue       65.7 65.7 0% 66.9
    Cash flow from operations before financial items and taxes -0.6 -9.0 94% -5.7 -22.5 75% -19.9
    Cash and cash equivalents       21.6 30.0 -28% 36.6
    ROI, % -60.8 % -33.3 % -82% -27.1 % -30.9 % 12% -30.5 %
    Equity ratio, %       66.6 % 79.1 % -16% 73.3 %
    Gearing, %       4.0 % -18.3 % -122% -22.2 %
    Personnel, end of period       983 1,147 -14% 1,087
    1. Based on the weighted average number of outstanding shares during the period 175,976,169 (1-9/2024). Earnings per share has been recalculated for comparative periods using average weighted share amount after share issues.

    Events after period-end
    No material changes regarding the company’s business or financial position have taken place after the end of the quarter.

    Additional information
    This is a summary of WithSecure’s interim report 1 January – 30 September 2024. The full report is a PDF file attached to this stock exchange release. Full report is also available on the company website.

    Webcast
    WithSecure’s CEO Antti Koskela and CFO Tom Jansson will present the results in a webcast on 23 October starting at 14.00 EEST. The webcast will be held in English and can be accessed at

    https://withsecure.videosync.fi/q3-2024

    Questions in written format are requested in the webcast portal. Presentation material and the webcast recording will be available on the company website

    Materials | Investor Relations | WithSecure™

    Financial calendar
    WithSecure will publish its financial information dates of 2025 later in the fourth quarter of 2024. WithSecure observes at least a three-week (21 days) silent period prior to publication of financial reports, during which it refrains from engaging in discussions with capital market representatives or the media regarding WithSecure’s financial position or the factors affecting it.

    Contact information

    Tom Jansson, CFO
    WithSecure Corporation

    Laura Viita, VP, Controlling, investor relations and sustainability
    WithSecure Corporation
    +358 50 487 1044
    investor-relations@withsecure.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two men jailed after murdering teenager yards from his home in Edmonton

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two men have been jailed after being found guilty of murdering a teenager in Edmonton.

    The court heard how Bernard Carroll, 20 (26.12.23) of Church Street, Enfield and Josiah James Semper, 19 (31.03.05) of Cromie Close, Enfield pursued and fatally stabbed 16-year-old Taye Faik as he fled towards his home. Both were found guilty of Taye’s murder following the conclusion of a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 16 October.

    At the same court on Tuesday, 22 October, both men were sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 22 years.

    Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, led the investigation. She said: “This was a shocking and brutal attack on a teenage boy who was yards from his front door.

    “Semper was armed with a flick knife and inflicted the fatal wound, while Carroll drove the car to Kendal Gardens, fully in the knowledge that Semper was armed and in no doubt that significant violence would take place. It was evident from the investigation that there was a significant degree of planning involved.

    “Taye’s family have had to endure the trauma of losing him and then hearing evidence of the attack throughout the trial process. While nothing can be done to ease their pain, I hope that the fact Carroll and Semper have been held to account for their part in Taye’s murder brings them a small degree of comfort.

    “This conviction and the subsequent sentence should demonstrate the serious consequences and loss of life that is associated with carrying a knife. The sentencing today should act as a deterrent to anyone else in possession of such dangerous weapons.”

    An investigation was launched after police were called at 23:27hrs on 1 October 2023 to reports of a stabbing in Kendal Gardens, N18. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, Taye died at the scene.

    Taye had been out walking his dog and was yards from his home when he was attacked by at least two occupants who had got out of a waiting car. Witnesses reported hearing the attack and seeing the car driving at speed as it left the area. Taye made it back to his house where he collapsed in the hallway, fatally injured.

    Detectives quickly began to piece together the events of that evening, initially using CCTV to plot the movements of a car that the attackers had used.

    This car was later found abandoned in a nearby car park – it was on false registration plates and had been stolen a couple of weeks earlier.

    A thorough investigation enabled officers to plot the movements of the vehicle and its occupants on the day Taye was attacked and fatally injured.

    Bernard Carroll was arrested on 6 November 2023 after officers tracked him down to an address in Edmonton. He refused to answer any questions about the attack on Taye.

    Josiah Semper had fled to Antigua shortly after the murder, but was arrested when he returned to the UK on 17 November 2023. Again, when questioned about the attack on Taye, he declined to answer any questions.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini announces leadership appointments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Media relations:
    Sam Connatty
    Tel.: +44 (0)370 904 3601
    Email: sam.connatty@capgemini.com

    Capgemini announces leadership appointments

    • Anirban Bose becomes CEO of the Americas Strategic Business Unit
    • Kartik Ramakrishnan becomes CEO of the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit
    • Jerome Simeon will take on the role of Chief Revenue Officer
    • Franck Greverie will become Chief Technology Officer

    Paris, October 23, 2024 – Capgemini today announced some key leadership appointments. Anirban Bose succeeds Jim Bailey as CEO of the Americas Strategic Business Unit, effective November 1. Consecutively, Kartik Ramakrishnan is appointed CEO of the Financial Services Strategic Business Unit. Jerome Simeon will become Chief Revenue Officer and Franck Greverie Chief Technology Officer, both from January 1, 2025. Following an outstanding 34-year long career at Capgemini, Olivier Sevillia, Chief Operating Officer, has decided to pursue new endeavors as an individual, and will leave the Group at the end of 2024. With his deep global experience and passion for digital transformation, Olivier will focus on promoting the techno-business ecosystem of European companies to help improve their competitiveness. The whole Capgemini team is looking forward to supporting Olivier in his next chapter.

    “These appointments strengthen the Group’s growth ambition and reinforce Capgemini’s role as the go to business and technology partner for our clients. Anirban Bose has been at the helm of our Financial Services division for the last six years and instrumental in building and shaping this business across the globe. Anirban is well positioned to accelerate our trajectory in the Americas, building on our progress in the region over the past 4 years under the leadership of Jim Bailey. I would like to thank Jim for his many contributions to Capgemini. Kartik Ramakrishnan, who has been running the Banking sector for the past six years, is Anirban’s natural successor, to ensure the global business will continue to go from strength to strength,” comments Aiman Ezzat, CEO of the Capgemini Group. “To bolster our laser focus on growth, Jerome Simeon will take on a new position of Chief Revenue Officer for the Group in the new year. His role will encompass our activities across sales, key clients and industries to bring even greater value to our clients as we accompany them on their business-critical transformations. Franck Greverie will add Chief Technology Officer to his scope of responsibility, also from January 1. His deep tech expertise and forward-thinking approach will accelerate our efforts to build innovative value creating solutions for our clients. I wish Anirban, Kartik, Jerome and Franck every success in their new roles.”

    Aiman Ezzat continues, “After an outstanding 34-year long career at Capgemini and an impressive track record in leading and operating strategic businesses across the Group, Olivier Sevillia will step down as Group COO at the end of 2024. We are all looking forward to supporting Olivier in his new endeavors as an individual, focused on applying his extensive experience in digital transformation to promote a rich techno-business ecosystem to help improve the competitiveness of European businesses. The board of directors joins me in thanking him and paying tribute to his commitment and service.”

    Biography: Anirban Bose

    Anirban was Head of Capgemini’s Financial Services Strategic Business Unit and a member of the Group Executive Board from 2018. He was also responsible for overseeing the Asia Pacific Strategic Business Unit.

    Prior to this, Anirban was the Head of Capgemini’s Banking and Capital Markets Business Unit.

    Between 2007 and 2015 Anirban led Capgemini’s Banking Business Unit. From 2004 to 2007, Anirban served as executive vice president at Kanbay before its 2007 acquisition by Capgemini.

    Anirban resides in New York. He graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology of Varasani with a Bachelor of Technology. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago.

    Biography: Kartik Ramakrishnan

    Kartik was the Deputy CEO of Capgemini’s Financial Services Strategic Business Unit and also led Capgemini’s Banking and Capitals Markets business. Kartik has been a member of the Group Executive Committee since 2023.

    Prior to this, Kartik was responsible for managing sales teams across banking and capital markets.

    Kartik has spent over 25 years consulting in the banking and payments industry. Over his career, he has been involved in launching new products and developing innovative, cost-effective solutions for financial services firms across the globe in countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Singapore, United Kingdom and United States of America.

    Kartik has a bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology and a master’s degree from the Booth School of Business at University of Chicago.

    Biography: Jerome Simeon

    Jerome became the Head of Global Industries in 2023. He has been a Member of the Group Executive Board since 2021.

    Prior to this, he was the CEO of the Southern Europe Strategic Business Unit. From 2018 to 2020, Jerome was Managing Director of Capgemini in France, when he also joined the Group Executive Committee.

    From 2014, he was CEO, Application Services France after serving as Commercial Director (from 2012 to 2014).

    Prior to this, from 2007 to 2010, he held commercial positions in Capgemini’s Telecom & Media business after managing the development and sales for the Property & Services Europe sector of BT Global Services for two years.

    Jerome joined Capgemini in 1998, after eight years with the group Générale des Eaux/Vivendi. Jerome graduated from Toulouse Business School.

    Biography: Franck Greverie

    Franck Greverie has been the Chief Portfolio Officer at Capgemini since 2018.

    Franck has been on the Group Executive Board since 2020, when he took on additional responsibilities overseeing Cloud Infrastructure Services (cloud & cybersecurity), Business Services and Insights & Data (Data & AI) Global Business Lines.

    Prior to this, from 2016, Franck led the Cloud & Cybersecurity activities of Capgemini. He joined Capgemini in 2015 as Head of the Cybersecurity Global Service Line.

    Between 2012 and 2015, Franck was an Executive VP at Bull, where he was in charge of the Security Division, and also led the Middle East, Africa and Asia activities.

    Prior to that, Franck was the Managing Director of the Information Systems Security and Cybersecurity activities for Thales Group (France, UK, Germany, Norway, USA, Asia) since 2018. His career with Thales began in 2004, as Head of Strategy, Business Development and Marketing for the Security activity.

    Franck is a graduate of ESME, engineering school, and of the Executive MBA of ESSEC Business School.

    Note to Editors
    High-resolution photography of Anirban Bose, Kartik Ramakrishnan, Jerome Simeon and Franck Greverie is available on request.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organisations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market-leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.
    Get the future you want | http://www.capgemini.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Orders on Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements with Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Croatia and Türkiye to be gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chief Executive in Council made five Orders under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) yesterday (October 22) to implement respectively the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (CDTAs) that Hong Kong signed with Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Croatia and Türkiye. The Orders will be gazetted on October 25.

         “Under the CDTAs, residents of Hong Kong and the relevant tax jurisdictions will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income. This will bring them a greater certainty on taxation liabilities and tax savings when they engage in cross-border trade and investment activities. The CDTAs can help encourage enterprises of Hong Kong to conduct business or invest in the tax jurisdictions concerned, and vice versa,” a Government spokesman said today (October 23).

         The Orders will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 30 for negative vetting. The CDTAs will enter into force after both Hong Kong and the relevant tax jurisdictions have completed their respective ratification procedures.

         Hong Kong signed the CDTAs with Bangladesh, Croatia, Bahrain, Armenia and Türkiye in August 2023; and January, March, June and September 2024 respectively, bringing the number of tax jurisdictions that have signed CDTAs with Hong Kong to 51.  Highlights of the five new CDTAs are set out in the Annex.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Hungary and Japan suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Hungary and Japan suspended
    Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Hungary and Japan suspended
    *****************************************************************************

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 23) that in view of notifications from the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 and H5 avian influenza in Bács-Kiskun County in Hungary and Chiba Prefecture in Japan respectively, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.     A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Hungary for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 40 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Hungary, and about 1 170 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 150.45 million poultry eggs from Japan in the first six months of this year.     “The CFS has contacted the Hungarian and Japanese authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 15:02

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: NXP’s Advanced Trimension UWB Portfolio Hits the Road with Audi

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • NXP’s Trimension NCJ29Dx family of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) fine-ranging ICs is deployed by Audi AG to enhance smart, hands-free secure car access functionality for the OEM’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE)
    • The Trimension NCJ29Dx family is designed to deliver the robust, precise and secure ranging and connectivity required to meet the needs of global automotive OEMs to implement smart, secure access, as standardized by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)
    • Audi’s PPE, jointly developed with Porsche, is the base for the company’s next generation of electric vehicles

    EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) today announced that its Trimension® NCJ29Dx family, part of one of the industry’s broadest UWB portfolios, is the technology foundation for Audi’s advanced new UWB platform, delivering the precise and secure real-time localization required by leading premium car manufacturers to enable hands-free secure car access via smart mobile device and other UWB-based features. Cars featuring NXP’s Trimension UWB devices, including the Audi Q6 e-tron, will hit the road in 2024.

    Smart, secure car access leverages the fine-ranging capabilities of NXP’s extensive Trimension UWB portfolio to precisely identify the location of the driver in relation to the car, allowing the doors to be unlocked only when the driver is in close proximity to the car. Drivers can unlock and start their car hands-free using a digital key on a UWB-enabled mobile phone or wearable, which can remain in the driver’s pocket or bag.

    “Audi has long been on the leading edge of automotive technology, and this new UWB-enabled platform is no exception,” said Ulf Warschat, Head of Development Body Electronics, Audi AG. “The precise and secure real-time localization delivered by NXP’s Trimension UWB portfolio ensures that our drivers will benefit from the advanced features and capabilities, allowing them to enjoy the driving experience in a whole new way.”

    “NXP’s proven Trimension UWB platform enables OEMs to deliver new features for drivers, allowing secure and easy hands-free access to their cars, as well as supporting a variety of additional use cases like automated EV charging and more,” said Markus Staeblein, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Secure Car Access, NXP Semiconductors. “Building on our expertise and standardization efforts in bodies such as the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) and the FiRa Consortium, UWB will continue to drive new enhancements to the consumer automotive experience and is quickly becoming an essential component in the automotive ecosystem.”

    The Trimension NCJ29Dx family is part of NXP’s portfolio of secure car access system solutions, which includes the NCF3340 NFC controller and the KW37 Bluetooth 5.0 Long-Range MCU. These devices are also in use by Audi as part of its new platform.

    The Trimension NCJ29Dx family enables UWB-based fine-ranging capabilities and is compliant to IEEE 802.15.4, CCC and FiRa standardization. It delivers high localization resolution and power optimization for battery-powered devices such as key fobs, while also minimizing BOM costs. Additionally, it offers maximum levels of protection against car theft through relay attacks and includes on-chip support for a wide range of cryptographic operations.

    The Trimension NCJ29Dx family is part of one of the industry’s broadest UWB portfolios, which features devices suitable for both automotive and mobile, IoT or industrial applications. This includes devices like the Trimension NCJ29D6, which integrates UWB fine ranging with UWB radar capabilities to allow OEMs to address multiple use cases with a single system, including smart, secure car access, child presence detection, intrusion alert, kick sensing and more.

    About NXP Semiconductors
    NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communications infrastructure markets. NXP’s “Brighter Together” approach combines leading-edge technology with pioneering people to develop system solutions that make the connected world better, safer, and more secure. The company has operations in more than 30 countries and posted revenue of $13.28 billion in 2023. Find out more at http://www.nxp.com.

    NXP, Trimension and the NXP logo are trademarks of NXP B.V. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. © 2024 NXP B.V

    For more information, please contact:

    Americas & Europe Greater China / Asia 
    Phoebe Francis            Ming Yue
    Tel: +1 737-274-8177 Tel: +86 21 2205 2690
    Email: phoebe.francis@nxp.com Email: ming.yue@nxp.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9a2b8d95-fb90-4615-a0ba-cfe7fb29d378

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Catch up clinics to offer children free flu vaccinations

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    All children from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for the free vaccination in school given by healthcare professionals from Vaccination UK. Each school in Wolverhampton is being visited twice, giving children who may have been off the first time around a second chance to get vaccinated.

    Parents and guardians of children who may have either missed both dates in school, or who would prefer their child to receive it in a clinic, are invited to book an appointment at one of the catch-up clinics, taking place as follows: 

    • Saturday 9 November, 9am to 2pm, Bingley Family Hub, Norfolk Road WV3 0JE 
    • Saturday 23 November, 9am to 2pm, Dove Family Hub, Grangefield Close, Ryefield WV8 1XF 
    • Saturday 30 November, 9am to 2pm, Whitmore Reans Family Hub, Lansdowne Road WV1 4AL 
    • Saturday 11 January, 10am to 2pm, Biz Space, Planetary Road, WV13 3SW

    Appointments must be booked in advance by contacting Vaccination UK on 01902 200077. There are also clinics taking place in Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall – call Vaccination UK for more details of these.

    For the majority of children, the vaccine can be given via a nasal spray. For children who require a pork gelatine free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.

    John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “Flu can be deadly and easily spread by children and adults. The free vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions, from becoming ill because of the flu.

    “The vaccination is quick and safe and it’s also needle free for most children because it can be given via a nasal spray, rather than via injection. If your child has missed out on their vaccination in school, or you’d rather take them to a clinic, please book an appointment at one of the catch up clinics being held in the coming weeks.”

    Children aged 2 and 3, and children with some long term health conditions, are also eligible for the nasal spray, with their vaccinations given at their local GP surgery. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their GP if they haven’t yet received an invitation.

    To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and enjoy the four exciting Flu Fighters stories for children, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty, Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey, Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind and Flu Fighters on a Vacc-tastic Voyage, please visit Bugbusters.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Despite overwhelming hype, Jabra research finds only 26% of office workers use AI in daily work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Workplaces believe in the power of AI, with 84% of leaders saying AI can enhance work, but 82% are unprepared for integration of the tech into the workplace
    • 90% of knowledge workers wouldn’t trust AI for tasks that require human judgement or creativity
    • Workers are equally not using AI in their personal lives, with only 26% reporting regular use

    LOWELL, Mass., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jabra, a global leader in enterprise audio and video solutions, released a new report, Great ExpectAItions – Work in the Age of AI, which reveals that while many business decision-makers (84%) express high levels of trust in AI, very few office workers (26%) are using it in their daily roles due to a variety of perceived challenges. This disconnect suggests that even though leadership is optimistic about AI’s potential, they may yet lack the necessary vision or skills to effectively implement it across the workforce.

    The study, conducted among 1,800 AI decision makers surveyed across 6 countries and 4,200 employees from 14 countries, highlights that despite strong enthusiasm for AI, there is a clear disconnect between trust in the technology and its actual use in the workplace. While 85% of decision-makers express high interest in AI, the vast majority (82%) acknowledge they need to better understand how AI can improve workplace efficiency.

    Additionally, although 54% of employees believe AI can improve their work and 54% feel confident in their ability to collaborate successfully with AI, there’s still a significant gap in actual adoption in regular use at work. Jabra’s data found this appears due to several perceived challenges and demographic considerations:

    • 90% of employees wouldn’t trust AI for tasks that require creativity and innovation. This reluctance isn’t just about trust, it’s also about the satisfaction that comes from being personally involved in these more meaningful tasks.
    • There’s a clear generational divide in AI adoption, with 47% of Millennials and 37% of Gen Z indicating they feel positive about AI versus only 15% of Boomers. Adoption wise, 28% of Millennials and Gen Z use AI day to day at work, versus just 15% of Boomers.
    • AI decision-makers are relatively young – 58% are between the ages of 18 and 39 – and 71% are not from the IT department.

    Paul Sephton, Head of Brand Communications at Jabra, said: “We see many organizations eager to jump on the AI wave, but some are still dancing in the dark when it comes to effective implementation and meaningful use. As tools rapidly shift toward voice-driven input rather than text alone, it’s crucial for organizations to recognize how this evolution will change our interactions with AI and enhance productivity.”

    “To avoid what we call ‘AI-washing’ – simply jumping on the AI bandwagon – organizations must carefully evaluate the productivity gains that AI can offer and actively involve their employees in this journey. At Jabra, we believe in harnessing the power of AI not just to enhance productivity, but to foster a more connected and capable workforce, driving innovation and collaboration at every level.”

    Read more and download full report here:

    https://www.jabra.com/thought-leadership/ai-at-work

    Note to Editors
    The Great ExpectAItions – Work in the Age of AI Report leveraged two quantitative surveys conducted in August 2024. The first surveyed 1800 AI decision-makers from six countries (300 per country) – USA, UK, France, Germany, Japan and India. The second surveyed 4200 knowledge workers from 14 countries (300 per country) – USA, UK, France, Germany, Poland, UAE, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, India, Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong.

    PR contact
    Hayley Minardi
    Manager, PR & Communications, Jabra
    hminardi@jabra.com

    About Jabra

    Jabra is a world leading brand in audio, video and collaboration solutions – engineered to empower consumers and businesses. Proudly part of GN Group, we are committed to bringing people closer to one another and to what is important to them. Jabra engineering excellence leads the way, building on over 150 years of pioneering work within GN. This allows us to create integrated tools for contact centers, offices, and collaboration to help professionals work more productively from anywhere; and true wireless headphones and earbuds that let consumers better enjoy calls, music, and media. http://www.jabra.com

    Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO). GN’s solutions are sold in 100 countries across the world. Visit our homepage GN.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

    © 2024 GN Audio A/S. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Audio A/S. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners (design and specifications are subject to change without notice).

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70547059-e2bb-4ea5-866f-e1e9f844fb5b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WithSecure to host an Investor Day on 22 November 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     WithSecure Corporation, Press Release 22 October 2024 at 11.00 EEST

    WithSecure to host an Investor Day on 22 November 2024

    WithSecure invites investors and analysts to an Investor Day on 22 November 2024 at 9:00 EET. During the day WithSecure’s management will present the company’s future strategic priorities and financial targets. In addition, WithSecure will present how the company will move forward in each business area considering the new strategic priorities and financial targets.

    Preliminary agenda for the Investor Day (Finnish time, EET):

    • 8:30-9:00 Registration and breakfast
    • 9:00-12:30 Presentations (with a coffee break)
    • 12:30-13.30 Lunch and 1-on-1 discussions

    Venue: WithSecure’s headquarters in Wood City, Välimerenkatu 1, 00180 Helsinki, Finland.

    On-site participants are requested to register by Friday 15 November 2024 by sending an email to: investor-relations@withsecure.com.

    In addition to the physical event, there will a live webcast of the presentations, starting at 9:00 EET. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions online via the chat function on the webcast platform. The webcast link will be available closer to the event on the company website.

    A recording of the event and the presentation materials will be available after the event on: Materials | Investor Relations | WithSecure™

    We warmly welcome you to WithSecure’s Investor Day 2024!

    For more information, please contact

    Laura Viita,
    Vice President, Controlling, investor relations and sustainability
    WithSecure Corporation
    +358 50 487 1044
    investor-relations@withsecure.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: WHO – Ten additional countries in the Western Pacific Regionpledge to invest in WHO

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    MANILA, 23 October 2024 – In a historic show of support, 10 more countries in the Western Pacific Region pledged to provide an additional US$ 12.1 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) through its first-ever Investment Round. This comes in addition to US$ 18 million announced by Singapore in May. The WHO Investment Round aims to secure predictable, flexible, and resilient resources for WHO’s core work over the next four years.

    The seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific began on Monday with Member States formally endorsing the new regional vision Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025-2029): Working together to improve health, well-being and save lives.

    The financial commitments were made during a Special Event on the Investment Round at the Regional Committee today. Governments and partners from across Asia and the Pacific in attendance emphasized the importance of ensuring WHO has robust financing to implement its global strategy for the 2025-2028 period, the 14th General Programme of Work, which was approved by Member States at the World Health Assembly in May 2024.

    The Government of the Philippines co-hosted the Special Event and made a historic pledge of US$ 10 million to the WHO Investment Round. During his remarks, Secretary of Health Dr Teodoro J. Herbosa of the Philippines said “A robust, reliable, and sustainably funded WHO is crucial for the Western Pacific Region and the world to address inequities and inequalities in health which were amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we have taken a significant first step towards a future where health and well-being are accessible to everyone.”

    Malaysia also demonstrated its support of WHO’s work through a US$ 2 million pledge towards the Investment Round.

    In a powerful symbol of Pacific leaders’ commitment to health and WHO’s pivotal role in supporting them, eight Pacific Island countries pledged to double their funding contributions to WHO for 2025.  First-ever voluntary contributions to WHO were announced today by Papua New Guinea, and Cook Islands, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

    Speaking to the Regional Committee through a live video connection on Tuesday morning, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that to support the implementation of the Organization’s new global strategy, “we have launched the first WHO Investment Round, which aims to mobilize the sustainable and predictable resources we need to do our work. Thank you all for your commitment to promoting, providing and protecting health, for all people of the Western Pacific.”

    During the Investment Round Special Event, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, thanked Member States and partners for their pledges, which will enable the Organization to support countries more effectively.

    “The commitments made today are truly historic,” Dr Piukala said. “They include a doubling of financial contributions from several of our small island developing states, and significant sums from the Philippines and Malaysia.

    “It’s a sign of governments’ confidence in WHO as their partner in health, and a recognition of the need for sustainable financing in order to deliver on the vision of weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific,” he said.

    Prior to the meeting, WHO launched the document All for Health, Health for All: WHO Investment Case 2025-28 Western Pacific to capture the impact of a fully-funded Western Pacific Region over the next four years.

    Partners joined Members States in statements of support for WHO. Organizations including the Asian Development Bank, the Institute of Philanthropy and Temasek Trust committed to working closely with WHO during the next four years. Earlier this month, the Institute of Philanthropy made a US$10 million pledge to the Investment Round during the World Health Summit in Berlin, following a $1.2 million pledge in May at the World Health Assembly. The Temasek Foundation also pledged $10 million on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

    “We are off to a great start for the Investment Round in the Western Pacific based on today’s event,” said Dr Piukala. “Today we also heard that we should expect to see more countries and partners stepping up to provide additional resources in the coming weeks.”

    With a fully and sustainably funded operating budget for 2025–2028, WHO will be better able to tackle emergencies and outbreaks that jeopardize health security and threaten lives, reduce the burden of both infectious diseases and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and continue working to improve the health and well-being of everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

    Launched at the World Health Assembly in May 2024, the Investment Round aims to mobilize contributions that are flexible and thereby aligned with WHO’s strategy as approved by its Member States, predictably provided at the start of the four-year programme cycle to enable strategic decision-making, and resilient in that they will derive from a larger, more diverse set of donors.

    WHO’s Investment Round will culminate at the G20 leaders’ summit chaired by Brazilian President Lula da Silva next month.

    Notes:

    The seventy-fifth session of the Western Pacific Regional Committee began on 21 October and runs through 25 October at WHO’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The agenda (https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wpro—documents/regional-committee/session-75/wpr-rc75-01-provisional-agenda.pdf ) and timetable (https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wpro—documents/regional-committee/session-75/tentative-timetable_rc75.pdf ) are available online. A livestream of proceedings, all other official documents, as well as fact sheets and videos on the issues to be addressed can be accessed here. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/governance/regional-committee/session-75

    Working with 194 Member States across six regions, WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health. Each WHO region has a regional committee – a governing body composed of ministers of health and senior officials from Member States. Each regional committee meets annually to agree on health actions and to chart priorities for WHO’s work.

    The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas: American Samoa (United States of America), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States of America), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States of America), Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna (France).

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) – 23 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) –

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Rishi Sunak MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWlUy6vEdWo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 23 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Rishi Sunak MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqvw5q64AtM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Emergency beds for people experiencing rough sleeping this winter

    Source: City of Oxford

    As the nights get colder and longer, Oxford City Council has confirmed how it will offer emergency beds to people experiencing rough sleeping this winter.  

    The Council activates its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) during freezing weather.  

    While the Council commissions St Mungo’s to deliver an intensive outreach service helping people off the streets all year round, not everyone is usually entitled to support – for example, people from abroad with no right to claim benefits or housing. 

    Other people experiencing rough sleeping may have previously refused all offers of support or have returned to the streets even though they have accommodation available to them.  

    SWEP is emergency accommodation for anyone experiencing rough sleeping. 

    The Council will activate SWEP on every night the Met Office forecasts freezing overnight temperatures. It will also use its discretion to open emergency beds in other severe weather conditions. 

    These can include snow on the ground, sub-zero ‘feels like’ temperatures or a warmer night in the middle of a prolonged freezing spell.  

    SWEP provision 

    Working with a range of partners, the Council has secured a minimum of 41 bed spaces in Oxford.  

    SWEP was activated on 24 nights last winter, providing 534 stays for 104 different people. The number of people accessing a SWEP bed on any one night ranged from 15 to 34.  

    While weekly estimates for the number of people sleeping rough are now typically in the mid-40s, not everyone will accept the offer of an emergency bed and others will already have accommodation available to them.  

    The Council therefore believes there will be enough SWEP beds to meet likely demand. Contingency plans are in place to provide more spaces if the need arises.  

    Accessing SWEP  

    The St Mungo’s outreach and assessment team will allocate SWEP beds to people experiencing rough sleeping during the day – letting them know where and when they need to go.  

    People who have not been allocated a SWEP bed in advance will be able to present at O’Hanlon House between 11 pm and midnight.  

    One of the SWEP venues is suitable for people with dogs and St Mungo’s can also arrange free kennels if necessary. Kennels must be arranged in advance and are not available on the night.  

    Find out more about how SWEP works on the Council website 

    Comment  

    Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “Nobody should have to sleep rough in Oxford and SWEP provides a lifeline for people at risk during freezing winter weather. SWEP also gives us another chance to offer the support they might need to leave the streets behind for good.  

    “SWEP relies on people in Oxford’s homelessness services stepping up and taking on extra shifts on top of their day jobs, and I’m grateful for everyone who will help us deliver this vital service.  

    “St Mungo’s works intensively with people on the streets and will allocate SWEP rooms during the day, telling them how to access the service and where and when to go. If you are concerned about someone experiencing rough sleeping, please contact the outreach team.”   

    How to report concern about someone experiencing rough sleeping  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Housing maintenance and improvement

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A SERIES of major policy documents aimed at protecting and enhancing public housing in Dundee are set to be discussed by councillors.
    Updated versions of Dundee City Council’s empty homes strategy, five-year strategic investment plan and the annual review of rents will be tabled next week.
    Mark Flynn, convener of the neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee said: “To be able to deliver strong communities where people feel empowered, safe, and proud to live and where the root causes of poverty are being tackled needs a good supply of warm, easy to heat homes.
    “But these things do not appear from nowhere, they need detailed, well thought out and realistic documents like these to put down in black and white what we need to do, how we are going to do it and how long it is going to take to get where we want to be.”
    Lynne Short, the committee’s deputy convener added: “The framework that these policies and others provides is crucial not only to delivering on our goals, but also in allowing people to see what progress is being made towards them over time.”
    The new 22-page empty homes strategy aims to build on the 132 empty homes already brought back into use by using the 1,067 unoccupied houses in the city to provide accommodation. This figure is put into context in the report which notes that there were 1,430 new homeless applications made to Dundee City Council in 2022/2023.
    Empty homes are classified as dwellings that have been empty for six months or more and are liable for council tax. The most recent figures published by the Scottish Government in September 2023, show that almost 75% of the long-term empty properties in Dundee are privately owned.
    It has been developed through a clear understanding of the impact of empty homes across Dundee on neighbourhoods, communities, homeowners and residents.
    The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2025-2030 sets out Dundee’s affordable housing priorities for the next five years and aims to ensure that the city continues to successfully deliver new-build affordable housing for rent.
    It reveals that 286 new build social homes are expected to be completed before spring 2027, with more than 500 more “in the pipeline” with start dates between 2025 and 2028.
    According to the SHIP. the council will work with partners to ensure that all new build properties constructed within the investment programme meet or surpass the current building regulations.
    In addition, where possible energy efficiency measures such as insulation, solar energy, wind power or other suitable measures will be integrated into the construction to help reduce carbon emissions, address fuel poverty and ensure that tenants live in warm, affordable homes.
    It also includes additional accessible housing for adults with learning, physical or mental health disabilities, to allow them to receive the appropriate care and support that they need within their local community.
    Members of the neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee will be asked to approve discussions with tenants on annual increases ranging from an average of £3.92 to £4.36 per week.
    Council house tenants could be consulted on three proposed rent increases between 4.5% and 5% if councillors back the move.
    During the two-month consultation as many tenants as possible will be encouraged to share their views on the three options before a report is prepared and considered in January.
    Cllr Flynn added: “Every year we try to offer tenants a balanced choice between services remaining at the same high standard they have now or giving the council additional resources to spend more on the things tenants have told us that they want, such as tackling anti-social behaviour.”
    As well as using as many ways as possible of gauging tents’ opinions including face to face engagement, social media and continued collaboration with Dundee Federation of Tenants Association and registered tenants’ organisations; information will also be made available about the support services available for people affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
    The neighbourhood resources, housing and estate management committee meets on Monday (October 28).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The London Fire Brigade: Is its culture changing?

    Source: Mayor of London

    Two years on from a review which identified institutional misogyny, racism and issues in handling mental health, what progress has the London Fire Brigade (LFB) made in tackling its cultural problems?

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Fire Committee will ask academics, unions, and women in the fire service about how much progress has been made since the review and what work can still be done.

    Members will closely examine whether the LFB’s recently launched Professional Standards Unit and its External Complaints Service are working effectively to drive up standards in the service, and will learn more about the challenges of the delivery of complex cultural change in other institutions.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1: 10am-10.45am

    • Ann-Marie Barlow, Director, Energise Development
    • Suzanne McCarthy, Independent Chair, Fire Standards Board
    • Dr Jessica White, Acting Director of Terrorism and Conflict Studies, Royal United Services Institute
    • Dr Rowena Hill MBE, Professor of Resilience, Emergencies and Disaster Science, Nottingham Trent University

    Panel 2: 10.55am-12.15pm

    • Paula Lyons, Company Secretary, Women in the Fire Service
    • Anna Snelson, LFB Women in the Fire Service
    • Gareth Cooke, London Regional Organiser, Fire Brigades Union
    • Adam Shaw, London Regional Treasurer, Fire Brigades Union
    • Deborah Riviere Williams, Chair of Unison within the LFB

    The meeting will take place on Thursday 24 October from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: On your marks – 100 days to file Self Assessment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments 2

    Self Assessment customers encouraged to prepare and file their tax return early as 31 January deadline is in sight.

    • People have 100 days until 31 January deadline to file their Self Assessment tax return and pay tax owed  
    • Self Assessment customers urged to prepare and file their tax return early 

    The countdown clock has begun as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reminds customers they have 100 days to file and pay their Self Assessment tax return before the 31 January deadline. 

    Anyone who is yet to start, can access information and guidance on GOV.UK to help them complete their tax return. 

    More than 3.5 million have already beaten the clock and submitted their returns. HMRC is reminding others that starting their Self Assessment early means they are more likely to complete an accurate tax return, avoid any last-minute panic plus they will know what they owe sooner and can budget. 

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: 

    The countdown to the Self Assessment deadline has begun but there is still time to thoroughly prepare and file an accurate tax return by 31 January. You can access online help and support to help you file. Search ‘help with Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more. 

    More than 12 million people need to file a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year and pay any tax owed by the 31 January 2025 deadline.  

    HMRC has produced a series of  YouTube videos to help people complete their return and a step-by-step guide to check what customers need to do to file their first tax return.    

    Customers who are unsure if they need to file a tax return can visit GOV.UK to check if they need to send a Self Assessment tax return.  

    Anyone who is new to Self Assessment needs to register to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference before they can send a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year. 

    People who no longer need to file a tax return should tell HMRC as soon as possible to avoid any penalties. HMRC has produced 2 videos explaining how customers can go online and stop Self Assessment if they are self-employed and those who are not self-employed.  

    How to go online and stop Self Assessment if you’re self-employed

    How to go online and stop Self Assessment if you’re not self-employed

    HMRC recommends that anyone who regularly sell goods or provides a service through an online platform to find out more about selling online and paying taxes. The information on GOV.UK will help them decide if their activity should be treated as a trade and if they need to complete a Self Assessment tax return. 

    Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money from taxpayers. Before sharing their personal or financial details, people should search ‘HMRC tax scams’ on GOV.UK to access a checklist to help them decide if the contact they have received is a scam 

    People should never share their HMRC login information with anyone. Someone could use them to steal from them or claim benefits or a refund in their name.

    Further Information

    More information on Self Assessment 

    The deadlines for tax returns for 2023 to 2024 tax year are 31 October 2024 for paper returns and 31 January 2025 for online returns. 

    More than 97% of Self Assessment returns are filed online. 

    People can use the HMRC app to find out how to register for Self Assessment, check their Unique Taxpayer Reference, get their National Insurance number and employment income and history and pay their tax bill.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK How did the Speaker mark Black History Month 2024?

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Last week, the Speaker of the House of Commons welcomed Members, House staff and special guests to Speaker’s House to mark Black History Month.

    This month offers an opportunity to unite in reflection but also to learn about the culture and history of those in the community, past and present. Thank you to the cast of ‘Just My Imagination’ – The Temptations tribute act, showcasing some of the best of British performing arts.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKAQvNdzdS0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: South China Sea conference 2024: speech by UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Minister Catherine West gave a keynote speech to the South China Sea conference in Ha Long, Vietnam.

    Location:
    Ha Long, Vietnam
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Good morning everybody, and it’s lovely to be here on such a perfect morning with those beautiful mountains and sea in front of us.

    As we’ve heard from Dr Dung and Vice Minister Viet, thank you to our local government partners who’ve put on such a beautiful event for us. And thank you to our Indonesian collaborator who spoke first, it was so good to hear from him.

    In the UK we have a relatively new government, elected in July this year…

    … and many people have asked me as the new Minister for the Indo-Pacific, “how do we know that the UK is committed to the Indo-Pacific?”.

    After three weeks my boss, David Lammy, who is the Foreign Secretary, visited Vientiane as part of the ASEAN discussions and this is my third country in the region to visit since July.

    So we know that working together with European partners and with others in the region, we can be allies with all of the partners in ASEAN and we can join together to have a very good discussion about peace and security.

    On Monday, I will go to Manila for the Women, Peace and Security conference, which will I think create a really deep understanding for myself as a new Minister as to the challenges in the region. And also the importance of promoting women’s leadership around this area of partnerships, rooted in respect and mutual trust. 

    Positioning the UK as a long-term reliable partner of the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by a shared respect for ASEAN leadership and centrality. And after that conference I will return to the UK, bringing back news of the conference and your thoughts.

    Because we know that after nearly 25 years of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325,… 

    …in which the UK played a leading role,… 

    …I will underline that our commitment to advancing participation in conflict prevention, reduction and resolution is unwavering, both in ASEAN but also globally.  

    And it is in the same spirit that I join you here today, to set out the UK’s support for collective efforts to maintain regional security and uphold international law.

    Global Maritime Security  

    Let me begin by stating unambiguously that the UK wants a free and open Indo-Pacific.  

    Because put simply, our collective global prosperity hinges on keeping the vital sea-lanes in the South China Sea open. Or the East Sea, as I believe in Vietnam you call it.

    Our shared security interests also demand that we stand-up for principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity… 

    …through the international legal framework that protects these principles,… 

    …for example, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea – or UNCLOS as we call it.    

    But it’s not just the Indo-Pacific.   

    Undermining international law in any situation, in any context… 

    … has the potential to corrode the wider system of global governance that protects security and prosperity. 

    Take for example the sustainable development goals.  

    We can hardly hope to achieve those goals without peace and security spurring on economic growth.  

    And all of that relies heavily on having stable seas where the rule of law is upheld.  

    And this year we’ve seen a serious and sustained series of incidents,… 

    …representing one of the sharpest spikes in tensions over recent years.  

    The use of water cannons, blocking, and ramming manoeuvres have interfered… 

    …with Philippine rights and freedom of navigation.  

    These actions, and the responses they may incite, raise the risk of serious miscalculation… 

    …as well as posing a direct threat to international law. 

    And last month Chinese law enforcement attacked Vietnamese fishermen, leaving them seriously injured.  

    The grave risk of instability and escalation that these incidents pose is a significant concern for the international community. 

    Not just because of the impact it could have on global prosperity and security, but also on livelihoods and local biodiversity.   

    That is why the UK has and will continue to protest any action which threatens peace and stability… 

    …or seeks to undermine the primacy of UNCLOS.  

    Keeping the South China Sea safe is our priority. 

    And the only way we can achieve that is by working together with partners including those represented here today.  

    Climate and nature security 

    Now another crucial element to our security and prosperity is climate and nature.

    After this session I will be going to visit some of the areas affected by Typhoon Yagi, to understand more deeply how the Red Cross is working to mitigate those terrible floods and hear from local people as to how they’re managing about those floods.

    We were among the first countries to sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement… 

    …and we remain focussed on its ratification.   

    Home to over a third of world’s coral reefs – this region is critical… 

    …to halting and reversing the loss of the natural ecosystem. 

    Rising sea levels risk leading to worsening maritime disputes. 

    And we cannot tackle the various risks unless we understand them well.  

    So the UK is using its expertise to help.  

    For example, the UK Met Office is studying how changes in sea surface temperature affect migratory fish and coastal ecosystems,… 

    …playing a role not just on food security but also on addressing the poor environmental impact of rising temperatures.

    Back home, we have also set a landmark goal – to be the first major economy to deliver clean energy power by 2030.  

    But acting alone is not a solution.  

    That is why we want to work with you and partners across the world to accelerate the clean energy transition. 

    So we are boosting progress by building on existing programmes. 

    Such as the Just Energy Transition Partnerships – JETP – in Indonesia and Vietnam,… 

    …supporting innovative clean energy… 

    …and the expansion of grids and storage. 

    Growth and Technology 

    Technology also plays a key role… 

    …and is something the UK is keen to harness to help solve global challenges.  

    Modern maritime ecosystems is becoming increasingly interconnected and digital in its nature.  

    And more and more sophisticated technology supports improved port operations across the globe,… 

    …the development of Autonomous Surface Ships will reduce the number of seafarers needed to operate a vessel. 

    We know how essential undersea telecoms cables are.  

    And they will only grow in importance with the use of AI becoming more widespread.  

    That is why the UK is working transparently with partners to develop inclusive global norms and standards… 

    …for the responsible and ethical use of technology and AI, including in maritime contexts. 

    Working together 

    Finally, we know that we live in a rapidly changing world where the more closely we work, the stronger we are.   

    Next year, the UK will hold its third Regional Maritime Security Symposium in Southeast Asia to discuss collaboration on a range of maritime issues. 

    It’s so encouraging to be here today and to work with Asia-Pacific partners, and as I speak, HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, our two Offshore Patrol Vessels, continue their operations in the Indo-Pacific,… 

    …exercising with partners,… 

    …responding to humanitarian disasters,… 

    …and tackling maritime challenges.

    Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak today, and I look forward to questions afterwards.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Meet Hedwige Lauwaert, who supported NATO’s media relations for more than 25 years

    Source: NATO

    During her long career at NATO, Hedwige Lauwaert served as the principal assistant to four NATO Spokespersons. In this behind-the-scenes role, she helped the Alliance communicate with thousands of international journalists – and witnessed turning points in NATO history, such as the accession of the first countries from the former Eastern Bloc in 1999, NATO’s operation Allied Force conducted in March 1999 to halt the humanitarian catastrophe that was then unfolding in Kosovo, and the invocation of Article 5 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States.

    The journey to NATO’s press office

    Hedwige was born in the Belgian city of Ninove in 1950, just a year after Belgium became a founding member of NATO. She studied modern languages and worked for 12 years in the private sector, for air transportation and engineering companies, before applying for a job at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

    Hedwige’s journey at NATO started in 1984, when she joined the International Military Staff at the Allied Long Lines Agency (ALLA). ALLA’s mission was to ensure telecommunication services in times of conflict and peace, and to provide support to NATO and the Allies in commercial procurement.

    After one year of working in ALLA, Hedwige transferred to a new role in NATO’s Office of Information and Press, where she was part of the team in charge of organising visits to NATO Headquarters and offering group briefings to students, opinion makers, government officials and academics in English, French and Dutch. Additionally, she assisted the Dutch Liaison Officer in organising visits and conferences for groups from the Netherlands.

    “When I worked in the Visits Section, I realised how important communication was for NATO’s image. It was a difficult time for the Alliance because of the protests against the storage of cruise missiles on European military bases in the 1980s and nuclear activism demonstrations, so when I was offered the position of personal assistant to soon-to-be Spokesperson Jamie Shea at the Press Office, I accepted it immediately.”

    Working with the NATO Spokespersons

    From 1995 to 2011, Hedwige served as the principal assistant to the NATO Spokesperson, working with Jamie Shea, Yves Brodeur, James Appathurai and Oana Lungescu. Hedwige’s main role was to organise interviews for the Spokesperson, the NATO Secretary General and other NATO officials with journalists and media outlets from all over the world, and to accompany the Spokesperson to NATO summits and ministerial meetings abroad.

    During her sixteen years working for the NATO Spokesperson, Hedwige witnessed key episodes in the Alliance’s history. One particularly challenging moment was the Kosovo crisis in 1999. The pace of work was relentless, with daily press conferences, non-stop calls, long working hours and a considerable amount of stress as Spokesperson Jamie Shea explained NATO’s intervention over a 78-day air campaign to halt the humanitarian catastrophe.

    “The Kosovo crisis was probably the most intense period of my career at NATO. Every day felt like a summit day. At the time, our offices were located in the entrance hall of the press building, and journalists would constantly approach us until a Media Operations Centre was created in the secure zone.”

    Another key event of 1999 was NATO’s 50th anniversary summit in Washington, D.C. – where the North Atlantic Treaty had been signed in 1949.

    “I remember this meeting as being quite historical, because the Heads of State and Government of the new NATO members – Czechia, Hungary and Poland – were participating in their first NATO summit meeting,” Hedwige recalls. “This was also the time when I first visited the CNN studios, where I met my media contact for many years to come.”

    The 9/11 terrorist attacks

    The 9/11 terrorist attacks were a turning point in NATO’s history. Hedwige remembers the moment she learned about the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York City and the never-ending night when the crisis team scrambled to understand what had happened, with no sustenance other than leftover birthday cake.

    “Then-Spokesperson Yves Brodeur had just briefed a group of Finnish journalists when he returned to the office and told me to turn on the TV to see the images of the plane impact. Essential staff were required to stay working that night while all catering facilities were closed on the premises. It also happened to be the birthday of Jamie Shea, at the time the Director of Information and Press, and his cake was the only thing to eat all evening and night, and it had to be shared with approximately 20 people.”

    Over the following days and weeks, Hedwige supported the Spokesperson and the Secretary General as they communicated NATO’s response to the world – including the invocation of Article 5 for the first time in NATO’s history.

    During her time as contact point for international journalists, Hedwige learned about some of the professional difficulties they faced, particularly when it came to covering NATO’s meetings abroad. For this reason, on the occasion of the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Reykjavik in May 2002, Hedwige established a partnership with the Belgian Ministry of Defence that allowed her to use one of their planes as a means of transportation for journalists to such events. Hedwige’s creativity and innovation were commended by Secretary General Lord Robertson with NATO’s Award of Excellence, a recognition dedicated to honouring the professionalism of hard-working NATO staff members.

    Life after NATO

    Hedwige retired from NATO in 2011 and currently lives in Provence, France. She has become a keen gardener and helps to organise visits to the gardens in the region for the organisation ‘Mediterranean Gardening France’.

    Hedwige Lauwaert’s message for the Alliance’s 75th anniversary

    “It is probably a cliché, but I hope that NATO will be around for another 75 years, and longer, to make sure that future generations will live in peace.

    There have always been difficult periods in NATO’s history, and frequently its relevance was put into question, but in the current hostile world, NATO is the only guarantee to stability and hopefully peace.”

    This article is part of the 75th anniversary #WeAreNATO series.

    These interviews feature former NATO staff members who share their personal stories and first-hand experiences related to the Alliance’s key moments and historic turning points, such as the Cold War and 1989, the first out-of-area missions, partnerships, 9/11 and more.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Trump’s messaging is becoming more extreme, a mathematician explains

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dorje C. Brody, Professor of Mathematics, University of Surrey

    “Talk about extreme.” That was the response of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris at September’s televised debate, after her rival, Donald Trump, made the baseless claim that migrants had been eating the dogs and cats of their neighbours in Springfield, Ohio.

    Despite mounting criticism, Trump doubled down on the accusation. Likewise, during the more recent vice-presidential debate, Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, falsely claimed that the migrants in Springfield are illegal.

    The arrival of hurricanes Milton and Helene then gave them more opportunities to disseminate disinformation. Trump’s team attacked the government over its response to the disaster, claiming that government money earmarked for disaster victims has been spent on migrants who crossed illegally into the US.

    “Kamala spent all her Fema [Federal Emergency Management Agency] money – billions of dollars – on housing for illegal migrants”, Trump said at a rally in Michigan. This point was also repeated by Vance in an opinion piece on October 8 in the Wall Street Journal.

    The claim is false. But does it make sense for Trump’s team to spread such extreme disinformation? Mathematical analysis suggests it can.

    The positions of the candidates on the various issues, such as migration, can be represented on the political spectrum from the left to the right. It is fair to say that Trump places himself at the right end of the spectrum, while Harris sits at the centre.

    If you are at the far end of the spectrum, left or right, then you want to move people as far in your direction as possible. So, given that these days, in the US at least, there appear to be no consequences for disseminating disinformation, you want your messages to be extreme.

    By consistently hyping up the dangers of migrants, for example, more voters will start feeling that something needs to be done, even if they have never encountered an issue themselves.

    Indeed, mathematical models show that the probability of a candidate positioned at the end of the spectrum winning an election can, at least theoretically, reach 100%, if the messages are nothing but extreme. The same does not apply to a candidate positioned in the middle.

    We have seen this effect manifesting itself in the recent elections in Germany and France. Unless the public already has a strong appetite for the centre ground, which was the case for July’s general election in the UK, positions at the centre are often precarious.

    The path to victory for Harris therefore remains steep. But there are means for an effective counteroffensive.

    Clear communication

    Political messages have two purposes: communicating where the candidate stands on the various issues, and making the voters feel that those positions are desirable. We can apply the mathematics of communication, which explains our cognitive response to digesting information, to infer the impact of political messages.

    In particular, we can study how different messages on a given issue combine and interact. This, of course, only concerns voters who consume a variety of information sources, as opposed to those confined to an information echo chamber.

    For those who consume both Democratic and Republican messages, the effect of combining them can be subtle. But, in many cases, they combine in an additive way with some weights on each message.

    You can think of it as a weighted average of the two information sources. For example, if Harris says one thing and Trump says something opposite on a particular issue, then the net effect is each message muting the other slightly.

    So, if Trump says the illegal Haitian migrants in Springfield are eating people’s pets, and Harris says the migrants are there legally and are not eating anyone’s pets, then people might come to the conclusion that, while there may be illegal Haitian migrants in Springfield, they may not be eating pets.

    However, in some cases, one of the weights can take a negative value. This means that rather than adding them, the receiver of the two messages will subtract them. When this happens, the effect of that message is unexpectedly reversed.

    For example, when clear and convincing evidence of the legal status of the migrants in Springfield is presented, the prevailing noise about their pet-eating habits will, in anything, strengthen people’s belief that the claim is false.

    This can happen when the message from Harris is sufficiently loud and clear. Importantly, this does not mean Harris should loudly deny the disinformation. Provided that Harris sticks to her own messages in a clear and transparent manner, the mathematics of communication predicts that disinformation can turn itself against its spreader, for the following reasons.

    The idea, roughly speaking, goes as follows. Suppose that a recipient of the messages is unaware of the prevalence of disinformation, and that there is a considerable gap between the unsubstantiated disinformation and reliable information, with the latter being communicated very clearly.

    In this situation, communication theory shows that the receiver will dismiss disinformation more strongly than someone who is aware of the prevalence of disinformation.

    It is reminiscent of the Japanese martial art judo where the ultimate aim is to use your opponent’s momentum, rather than your own force.

    Disinformation should be challenged. And, indeed, both Harris and her predecessor Joe Biden have come out to condemn Trump’s “onslaught of lies” in relation to the two hurricanes.

    But merely focusing on challenging disinformation is counterproductive. What is more important is for their own message to be communicated loud and clear.

    No crystal ball can tell us whether the Democrats will retain the White House in November. But simply repeating the point that Trump is a threat to democracy, as Biden was prone to do, will not cut it.

    Dorje C. Brody has received funding from UKRI.

    – ref. Why Trump’s messaging is becoming more extreme, a mathematician explains – https://theconversation.com/why-trumps-messaging-is-becoming-more-extreme-a-mathematician-explains-239421

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Greens call for introduction of ‘mansion tax’ in Scottish budget

    Source: Scottish Greens

    23 Oct 2024 Economy

    Scottish Greens are calling for a range of revenue-increasing levies such as ‘mansion tax’ to protect people and planet from budget cuts.

    More in Economy

    The introduction of a ‘mansion tax’ on the sale of the most expensive homes is one of a number of property tax changes proposed by the Scottish Greens, with the money raised being used to protect public services from further cuts.

    Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer has called for the Scottish Government to use the upcoming budget to introduce a new band of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, set at 15% for the purchase of homes costing over £1 million.

    Currently, the top rate of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax for residential properties is 12% on £750,000 and above. The Scottish Greens are proposing a new 12% rate starting at £650,000 and a 15% rate from £1 million.

    Mr Greer said: “14 years of Tory cuts have left Scotland’s budget in a dire state. Sadly, the new Labour government shows every sign of going further and deeper with their own cuts to public services. We must use every tool available to us here in Scotland to protect people and planet from the damage these budget cuts would do.

    “A mansion tax on the biggest and most luxurious houses is one of many ways we can raise more money to support services like the NHS while only impacting the very wealthiest people.

    “There is more than enough wealth in Scotland to end child poverty tomorrow, but far too much of it is in the hands of a very small number of extremely rich people and big companies. The powers needed to tax them fairly mostly sit at Westminster rather than Holyrood, but we can use tools like Scottish property taxes to make sure the richest people in society pay a bit more when they are buying a new house.

    “A mansion tax could be introduced by the SNP now. It would raise crucial funds we could use to tackle child poverty and the climate emergency.”

    Mr Greer added: “The Scottish Greens have already delivered an income tax system for Scotland which raises £1.5 billion more every year for public services like our schools. If we want to protect these services though, we need to go further. That’s why we are proposing a range of options to the SNP. 

    “If they want Green votes to pass the government’s budget, they know that the price of our support is more funding to tackle child poverty and the climate crisis. We are being clear about where that money could be raised from.”

    In 2023, the Scottish Greens delivered new powers to double Council Tax on second homes and increased the Additional Dwelling Supplement, which is paid by those purchasing a property which is not their primary home, such as “buy to let” landlords and those buying second homes. The purpose of these changes was to raise additional funds and to discourage the purchase of holiday homes in areas where they are causing acute housing shortages.

    The Party also introduced the Housing Bill which is currently working its way through Parliament. If passed, this would provide permanent rent controls and protections for tenants.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Donanemab licensed for early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in adult patients who have one or no copies of apolipoprotein E4 gene

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 23 October 2024, approved a licence for the medicine donanemab (Kisunla) for use in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, following a thorough review of the benefits and risks.

    Donanemab works by removing a sticky protein called beta-amyloid from the brain that is believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease, and in the trials conducted the medicine showed some evidence of efficacy in slowing its progression.

    As for any new medicine, this decision was made with expert scientific advice on the benefit risk of donanemab from the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), the government’s independent advisory body.

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    Licensing medicines which meet acceptable standards of safety, quality and efficacy is a key priority for us.

    We’re assured that, together with the conditions of the licence approval, the appropriate regulatory standards for this medicine have been met.

    As with all medical products, we will keep its safety under close review, and with a safety study to be undertaken after licensing, we will ensure that the benefit risk of donanemab is closely followed up post-authorisation.

    Donanemab is approved to treat adults in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease who have one or no copies of the apolipoprotein E4 gene (ApoE4). A person can have no copies, one copy or two of this gene. Approximately 15% of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have two copies of this gene, known as homozygous patients, and are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, while people with one copy also have an increased risk.

    The patient’s doctor will perform testing to make sure that donanemab is right for them.

    Donanemab was evaluated in a main study (Phase III Study TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2) involving 1,736 patients with early Alzheimer’s disease who had mild cognitive impairment, mild dementia and evidence of amyloid pathology. The patients in the study also had evidence of a protein called ‘tau’ in their brain which is involved in Alzheimer’s disease.

    The study looked at changes in patients’ brain cognition and function, measured by clinical tools such as the integrated Alzheimer’s Disease Rating Scale (iADRS). Other tools used included the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale – Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB), ADAS-Cog13, and ADCS-iADL. These tools are used by doctors to measure Alzheimer’s disease and were measured at the start (baseline) and then throughout the study.

    In this study, the patients received either 700 mg donanemab every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then 1400 mg every 4 weeks (860 patients) or placebo (a dummy infusion, 876 patients) for up to 72 weeks.

    At week 76 of the study, patients treated with donanemab had statistically significantly less clinical progression in their Alzheimer’s disease compared to patients that were treated with the placebo. This was assessed by change in iADRS score from baseline. Patients with low to medium levels of tau protein showed 35% slowing of clinical progression which equated to 4.4 months of delay in disease progression. In the overall population treated with donanemab, there was a 22% slowing of clinical progression, translating to a 1.4-month delay in disease progression.

    Donanemab treatment in both carriers and non-carriers was associated with less decline on iADRS and CDR-SB scores and a significant reduction in amyloid plaque compared with placebo (this is consistent with previous data from phase 2 for carriers but not for non-carriers which previously were not seen to benefit). However, among carriers, the reduced decline in iADRS and CDR-SB was driven by those with one ApoE4 gene. Those with two ApoE4 genes did not demonstrate a significant slowing in decline. Reduction in amyloid plaque was observed regardless of the number of ApoE4 genes an individual had, but the reduction was smaller among those with two ApoE4 genes.

    ApoE4 homozygous patients who received donanemab were also at higher risk of developing Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIAs), which are most commonly seen as temporary swelling in one or more areas of the brain (ARIA-E) or small spots of bleeding in or on the surface of the brain (ARIA-H).

    The CHM therefore advised that the risk benefit of donanemab was favourable in the patients who were ApoE4 non-carriers or heterozygous but not in the homozygous group, and that testing for the ApoE4 gene should be carried out before treatment.

    Use of donanemab in patients who are on anticoagulants (blood thinners, including warfarin) or have been diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) on MRI before starting treatment is contraindicated as the risks in these patients are considered to outweigh the benefits.

    Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody which binds to a protein called amyloid beta in Alzheimer’s disease, where clumps of amyloid beta protein form plaques in the brain. Donanemab works by binding to these clumps and reducing them, therefore slowing the progression of the disease.

    The recommended dose of donanemab is 1400mg, with the patient receiving this dose once every four weeks in a healthcare setting. When starting treatment, the patient will initially receive a 700mg dose every week for the first three rounds of treatment. Donanemab is administered intravenously, with each infusion lasting at least 30 minutes. The total duration of treatment should not exceed 18 months.  

    The most common side effects of the medicine are infusion-related reactions (which can cause fever and flu-like symptoms), headaches and ARIA.

    In placebo-controlled studies, the incidence of ARIA was lower in non-carriers (24.1% donanemab vs 11.3% placebo) and heterozygotes (37.4% donanemab vs 13.4% placebo) than in homozygotes (58.3% donanemab vs 21.3% placebo).

    Among patients treated with donanemab, symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 4.1% of non-carriers and 6.1% of heterozygotes compared with 7.7% of homozygotes. Serious events of ARIA occurred in approximately 0.7% of non-carriers, 1.7% heterozygotes and 3% of homozygotes. Among patients treated with donanemab, the rate of severe radiographic ARIA-E was lower in non-carriers 1.0% (3/291) and heterozygotes 2.1% (11/522) compared to homozygotes 4.2% (7/168). The rate of severe radiographic ARIA-H was lower in non-carriers 4.5% (13/291) and heterozygotes 9.2% (48/522) compared to homozygotes 24.4% (41/168).

    A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine is available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website.   

    As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of donanemab under close review. To promote safe and effective use and keep the safety and efficacy of donanemab under close review, initiation of treatment in any patients will be through a central registration system implemented as part of a controlled access programme.

    A post-authorisation safety study will be conducted to investigate the safety and benefit-risk profile of donanemab in routine clinical practice, particularly in relation to incidence and severity of ARIAs and intracerebral haemorrhage, and long-term safety.

    Additional risk minimisation activities will be implemented for donanemab. These activities include the following:

    • educational materials for prescribers and radiologists on important safety risks related to the use of donanemab such as ARIA-E ARIA-H and intracerebral haemorrhage >1 cm
    • a patient card designed to enhance the awareness and knowledge of patients and caregivers about the safety concerns with donanemab as well as inform physicians of ARIA differential in an emergency setting.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine should to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme website or via the Yellow Card app available on Google Play or Apple App stores. 

    ENDS

    Notes to editors  

    1. The authorisation for donanemab was granted on 23 October 2024 to Eli Lilly.
    2. More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website.
    3. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    4. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
    5. The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) advises ministers on the safety, efficacy and quality of medicinal products. CHM is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
    6. For media enquiries, please contact the news centre on 020 3080 7651 or newscentre@mhra.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –