Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI: Rate Launches ‘Rate Portfolio’ to Deliver Flexible Mortgage Financing Solutions for Modern Borrowers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rate, a leader in fintech mortgage solutions, today announced the launch of Rate Portfolio, a suite of flexible mortgage products created to meet the needs of today’s increasingly diverse borrower landscape. Rate Portfolio offers customized financing solutions that move beyond rigid income qualifications and traditional lending limitations, enabling more people to realize their homeownership goals.

    Rate Portfolio reflects a significant step forward in Rate’s product strategy, designed specifically for self-employed individuals, small business owners, freelancers, property investors, and other well-qualified borrowers whose financial profiles don’t align with conventional standards.

    “At Rate, we think that homeownership should be accessible to well-qualified borrowers, regardless of how their income is structured,” said Shant Banosian, President of Rate. “Rate Portfolio lets us serve entrepreneurial borrowers with lending solutions tailored to their unique financial situations.”

    The suite includes four primary offerings:

    • Rate Portfolio Self-Employed – Accepts flexible income documentation to qualify on business cash flow
    • Rate Portfolio Assets – Allows qualification based on assets alone or to supplement other types of income
    • Rate Portfolio Investor – Qualifies solely on property cash flow
    • Rate Portfolio Buy Before You Sell – Enables a new home purchase without needing to sell a current home first

    These custom loan products offer significant advantages in a competitive purchase market, giving buyers tools to make non-contingent offers and move quickly without traditional financing roadblocks.

    “We’ve listened to the market and built Rate Portfolio to serve the real-world needs of modern borrowers,” said Kate Amor, EVP, Head of Enterprise Products at Rate. “From property investors and sole proprietors, to entrepreneurs and gig workers, or borrowers with significant assets, Rate Portfolio unlocks common-sense financing options that weren’t previously accessible to hardworking Americans through traditional lending channels.”

    According to recent data, investment purchases by small and mid-sized investors represented roughly 25% of U.S. home sales last year, demonstrating the growing need for products like Rate Portfolio Investor. Additionally, the self-employed and gig economy workforce is expanding faster than the overall labor force, requiring lenders to rethink how creditworthiness is evaluated.

    As borrower profiles and income structures continue to shift, lenders who offer responsible and common-sense financing solutions stand out. Rate Portfolio is built around this philosophy—accommodating each borrower’s unique and often complex financial situation to make homeownership more accessible for well qualified borrowers.

    To learn more, please visit: https://rate.com/lp/rate-portfolio

    About Rate

    Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate has over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include: Top 5 Mortgage Lender by Inside Mortgage Finance for 2024; Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose℠ digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years. Visit rate.com for more information.

    Press Contact

    press@rate.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: As European carmakers navigate the autonomous car race, Lighty’s new AI edge software offers them a lifeline amid rising tariffs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As European automakers face increasing tariffs and mounting pressure from American and Asian competitors in the autonomous driving race, leading Swiss AI startup Lightly today launches LightlyEdge – a groundbreaking edge-based data collection solution that could help level the playing field. At a time when Bosch is cutting 12,000 jobs and Mercedes is offering up to €500,000 for voluntary exits, clearly being effective and efficient matters for automotive companies. Lightly’s innovation tackles a critical bottleneck in AI development: capturing only the data that truly matters, directly at the source. This offers a strategic advantage at a time when workforce reductions threaten to slow in-house development and widen the gap with faster-moving rivals.

    As companies around the world race to develop safer autonomous vehicles, the fundamental challenge remains the same: they are drowning in data and the resulting costs. While collecting large volumes of data is essential, the difficulty lies in identifying what’s truly relevant. As AI models grow more sophisticated, so does the redundancy in the data feeding them. LightlyEdge solves this problem by making intelligent decisions about what data to keep at the moment of capture, before it enters the storage and processing pipeline.

    The LightlyEdge data collection report. 

    LightlyEdge deploys intelligent models directly onto vehicles’ cameras and sensors. The system revolutionizes data collection by analyzing video footage in real-time as it’s being captured, automatically identifying rare and valuable scenarios – like a child at a crossroad or an accident in snowy conditions – while ignoring redundant data that adds no value to training datasets. This approach dramatically slashes unnecessary storage and bandwidth costs while ensuring training datasets become more comprehensive, diverse, and optimized for real-world driving conditions.

    “This launch is a fantastic opportunity to increase development cycles for autonomous driving and driving assistance,” said Matthias Heller, Co-Founder of Lightly. “With LightlyEdge, our partners can harness smarter, real-time data collection that not only accelerates AI model training but also provides a competitive edge against established industry giants. By focusing on quality data from uncommon scenarios and hazards, we’re empowering a new era of innovation that will drive the future of mobility.”

    Lightly founders Matthias Heller and Igor Susmelj.

    The timing of LightlyEdge’s release is particularly significant. European automotive manufacturers are working to maintain their position against competitors like Tesla, whose innovative “Active Learning” approach – feeding only the most valuable data into AI models – has become a benchmark for the industry. While European companies have a rich history of engineering excellence, they now have an opportunity to leverage artificial intelligence’s potential to overhaul their operations.

    LightlyEdge captures data from cameras. 

    Building on what Lightly already achieved with LightlyOne in data centers, this new product shifts the intelligence right to where it’s needed – the edge devices in vehicles themselves. LightlyEdge gives developers real-time feedback and smart capture capabilities directly on the road. With its easy-to-use interface, teams can quickly deploy their AI models, keep an eye on them, and make them better over time – all of which dramatically speeds up how fast they can bring innovations to life.

    That speed is becoming essential. As European carmakers are feeling the squeeze from global competitors and tough trade barriers.LightlyEdge offers them a way to innovate faster while keeping costs down. By being smarter about what data they collect, these manufacturers can build better autonomous driving systems in less time and with fewer resources. This might be exactly what they need to win the autonomous car race.

    Ends

    Media images are here 

    About Lightly
    Lightly was founded in Zurich, Switzerland by Matthias Heller and Igor Susmelj, former ETH and Harvard students who worked in autonomous driving and research on computer vision and deep learning. 

    Lightly helps companies to build better machine learning models faster through better data. Data to train machine learning models is currently the biggest bottleneck in AI development. Today, Lightly is used by Fortune 500 companies and startups in autonomous driving, robotics, and video analytics. For more information, please visit https://www.lightly.ai/ or follow the company on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Consolidated net sales of $455.2 million, a decrease of 1% to the prior year
    • Energy Systems net sales increased 8% while Water Systems net sales were up less than 1% and Distribution net sales declined 3%
    • Operating income was $44.1 million with operating margin of 9.7%
    • GAAP fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.67

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. today announced its first quarter financial results for fiscal year 2025.

    First quarter 2025 net sales were $455.2 million, compared to first quarter 2024 net sales of $460.9 million. First quarter 2025 operating income was $44.1 million, compared to first quarter 2024 operating income of $47.9 million. First quarter 2025 EPS was $0.67, versus EPS in the first quarter 2024 of $0.70.

    “Our underlying businesses performed largely as expected in the first quarter.   Order trends remain positive, supporting a robust backlog as we enter the second quarter. Furthermore, strong performance in our Energy Systems segment helped offset unfavorable weather impacting our Distribution business, underscoring the value of our diversified global portfolio. One-time expenses associated with our executive transition and recent acquisitions presented earnings headwinds during the quarter, but our operating strength was clear,” commented Joe Ruzynski, Franklin Electric’s CEO.

    “During the quarter, we continued to invest in growth by completing two acquisitions, in line with our value creation framework. We look forward to deploying our integration playbook and enhancing the margin profiles of these great businesses. Despite uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment and potential tariffs, we are confident in Franklin Electric’s competitive position with strong brands, leading service, and a healthy operating footprint as we continue to execute our strategic priorities,” concluded Mr. Ruzynski.

    Segment Summaries

    Water Systems net sales were $287.3 million in the first quarter, an increase of $0.7 million or less than 1 percent compared to the first quarter of 2024. Results were driven by the incremental sales impact of recent acquisitions and higher sales of groundwater products, water treatment products and large dewatering pumps. These sales increases were partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation and lower sales of all other surface products. Water Systems operating income in the first quarter of 2025 was $43.4 million. First quarter 2024 Water Systems operating income was $47.1 million.

    Distribution net sales were $141.9 million, a decrease of $5.1 million or 3 percent compared to the first quarter 2024. Sales decreases were driven by lower volumes and continued negative pricing. The Distribution segment operating income in the first quarter 2025 was $2.1 million. First quarter 2024 Distribution operating income was $1.8 million.

    Energy Systems net sales were $66.8 million in the first quarter 2025, an increase of $4.7 million or 8 percent compared to the first quarter 2024. Sales increases were driven by higher volumes and price realization. Energy Systems operating income in the first quarter of 2025 was $21.9 million. First quarter 2024 Energy Systems operating income was $18.8 million.

    Cash Flow

    Net cash flows used in operating activities for the first quarter of 2025 were $19.5 million versus $1.4 million in the same period in 2024.

    2025 Guidance

    The Company is maintaining its guidance for full year 2025 sales to be in the range of $2.09 billion to $2.15 billion and reducing the low end of its earnings guidance and now expects full year 2025 EPS to be in the range of $3.95 to $4.25.

    Earnings Conference Call

    A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The first quarter 2025 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/yzximy3p

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer portion of the call, please register for the call at the link below.

    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI5cb1cdcef9da4de38184396c5211b443

    All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

    A replay of the conference call will be available from Tuesday, April 29, 2025, through 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, by visiting the listen-only webcast link above.

    Forward Looking Statements

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases,  raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, changes in tariffs or the impact of any such changes on the Company’s financial results, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    About Franklin Electric

    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be named in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies and Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024 and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    Franklin Electric Contact:

    Russ Fleeger
    Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
    InvestorRelations@fele.com

     
    FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
           
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)      
           
      First Quarter Ended
      March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024
           
    Net sales $ 455,247     $ 460,900  
           
    Cost of sales   291,344       297,320  
           
    Gross profit   163,903       163,580  
           
    Selling, general, and administrative expenses   119,643       115,644  
           
    Restructuring expense   159        
           
    Operating income   44,101       47,936  
           
    Interest expense   (1,799 )     (1,448 )
    Other income, net   843       706  
    Foreign exchange expense, net   (1,293 )     (4,880 )
           
    Income before income taxes   41,852       42,314  
           
    Income tax expense   10,478       9,222  
           
    Net income $ 31,374     $ 33,092  
           
    Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (412 )     (133 )
           
    Net income attributable to Franklin Electric Co., Inc. $ 30,962     $ 32,959  
           
    Earnings per share:      
    Basic $ 0.67     $ 0.71  
    Diluted $ 0.67     $ 0.70  
           
    FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
           
    (In thousands)      
           
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
    ASSETS      
           
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 83,994     $ 220,540  
    Receivables (net)   271,688       226,826  
    Inventories   560,338       483,875  
    Other current assets   40,627       32,950  
    Total current assets   956,647       964,191  
           
    Property, plant, and equipment, net   236,732       223,566  
    Lease right-of-use assets, net   60,294       62,637  
    Goodwill and other assets   675,199       570,212  
    Total assets $ 1,928,872     $ 1,820,606  
           
           
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
           
    Accounts payable $ 190,295     $ 157,046  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   125,316       139,989  
    Current lease liability   18,688       18,878  
    Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings   149,730       117,814  
    Total current liabilities   484,029       433,727  
           
    Long-term debt   14,858       11,622  
    Long-term lease liability   41,382       43,304  
    Deferred income taxes   32,718       10,193  
    Employee benefit plans   30,046       29,808  
    Other long-term liabilities   24,544       22,118  
     
    Redeemable noncontrolling interest   1,373       1,224  
           
    Total equity   1,299,922       1,268,610  
    Total liabilities and equity $ 1,928,872     $ 1,820,606  
           
    FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (Unaudited)
      Three Months Ended
    (In thousands)      
      March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net income $ 31,374     $ 33,092  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:      
    Depreciation and amortization   14,433       13,792  
    Non-cash lease expense   5,241       5,194  
    Share-based compensation   4,962       4,042  
    Other   1,080       4,036  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:      
    Receivables   (29,376 )     (43,365 )
    Inventory   (43,669 )     (28,105 )
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   (3,744 )     8,576  
    Operating leases   (5,091 )     (5,305 )
    Other   5,322       6,681  
           
    Net cash flows from operating activities   (19,468 )     (1,362 )
           
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Additions to property, plant, and equipment   (6,836 )     (9,184 )
    Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment   397       102  
    Acquisitions and investments   (109,687 )     (1,151 )
    Other investing activities   9       17  
           
    Net cash flows from investing activities   (116,117 )     (10,216 )
           
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Net change in debt   20,366       11,397  
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock   1,438       4,050  
    Purchases of common stock   (6,902 )     (9,047 )
    Dividends paid   (13,160 )     (12,395 )
    Deferred payments for acquisitions   (4,300 )     (348 )
           
    Net cash flows from financing activities   (2,558 )     (6,343 )
           
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   1,597       (1,728 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents   (136,546 )     (19,649 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   220,540       84,963  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 83,994     $ 65,314  
           

    Key Performance Indicators: Net Sales Summary

      Net Sales
      United States Latin Europe, Middle Asia Total        
    (in millions) & Canada America East & Africa Pacific Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
                       
    Q1 2024 $172.7   $41.3   $52.3   $20.3   $286.6   $62.1   $147.0   ($34.8 ) $460.9  
    Q1 2025 $175.7   $39.5   $51.5   $20.6   $287.3   $66.8   $141.9   ($40.8 ) $455.2  
    Change $3.0   ($1.8 ) ($0.8 ) $0.3   $0.7   $4.7   ($5.1 ) ($6.0 ) ($5.7 )
    % Change   2 %   -4 %   -2 %   1 %   0 %   8 %   -3 %     -1 %
                       
    Foreign currency translation, net * ($1.3 ) ($3.6 ) ($1.2 ) ($1.0 ) ($7.1 ) ($0.2 ) $0.0     ($7.3 )
    % Change   -1 %   -9 %   -2 %   -5 %   -2 %   0 %   0 %     -2 %
                       
    Acquisitions $1.2   $3.1   $0.0   $1.4   $5.7   $0.0   $0.0     $5.7  
    % Change   1 %   8 %   0 %   7 %   2 %   0 %   0 %     1 %
                       
    Volume/Price $3.1   ($1.3 ) $0.4   ($0.1 ) $2.1   $4.9   ($5.1 ) ($6.0 ) ($4.1 )
    % Change   2 %   -3 %   1 %   0 %   1 %   8 %   -3 %   -17 %   -1 %
                       

    *The Company has presented local currency price increases used to offset currency devaluation in the Argentina and Turkey highly inflationary economies within the foreign currency translation, net row above.

    Key Performance Indicators: Operating Income and Margin Summary

    Operating Income and Margins          
    (in millions) For the First Quarter 2025
      Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
    Operating Income / (Loss) $ 43.4   $ 21.9   $ 2.1   $ (23.3 ) $ 44.1  
    % Operating Income To Net Sales   15.1 %   32.8 %   1.5 %     9.7 %
               
    Operating Income and Margins          
    (in millions) For the First Quarter 2024
      Water Energy Distribution Other/Elims Consolidated
    Operating Income / (Loss) $ 47.1   $ 18.8   $ 1.8   $ (19.8 ) $ 47.9  
    % Operating Income To Net Sales   16.4 %   30.3 %   1.2 %     10.4 %
               

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Worst result in 8 years – mortgage market predicted to face a severe rollback

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    How will the mortgage lending market change in 2025?

    Experts’ forecast for issuance mortgage loans in Russia is disappointing – experts expect the worst result since 2016. As expected, in 2025:

    the number of executed mortgage agreements will decrease to 800 thousand, which will be 40% lower than last year’s level; the amount of issued loans will amount to 3.7 trillion rubles – a drop of almost 30%; the average bill will increase above 4 million rubles (a year earlier – 3.7 million rubles); an increase in the average payment is expected by 13% – up to 35 thousand rubles per month; the total volume of the banks’ mortgage portfolio, taking into account existing loans, will increase above the 20 trillion ruble mark.

    However, the forecast only takes into account the current situation without significant upheavals in the industry – it is based on a key rate of 18-21%: in the presence of shock events, the changes may be even more significant.

    Why are mortgage loans being issued in Russia decreasing?

    Negative dynamics in the mortgage loan segment have been observed since mid-2024, amid the cancellation of the preferential mortgage program in new buildings. The decrease in demand for housing loans is due to the following factors:

    high interest rates, often exceeding 30%; worsening conditions for government-supported programs; tightening regulation of the industry by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation; popularity of installment programs from developers – such loans already account for up to 50% of all contracts; continuing growth in housing prices – apartments are becoming less and less affordable.

    “It is not profitable for Russians to take out mortgage loans – now many families planning to buy housing prefer to open savings accounts and deposits, expecting a reduction in rates in the industry,” experts emphasize.

    Current borrowers have also changed their payment behavior – early mortgage repayment is becoming less and less popular, and by the end of 2025, only 2% of contracts will be closed ahead of schedule. Russians have fewer and fewer incentives to repay loans early, especially against the backdrop of favorable conditions for savings products.

    When will demand for mortgages among Russians recover?

    It is definitely not worth expecting even a partial recovery of the industry in the coming months. As the survey results show, most Russians are ready to take out a mortgage if market rates fall to 15-18% per annum. Every fifth borrower in the Russian Federation is willing to consider getting a loan even at 20%, and every tenth citizen is waiting for a reduction to 10%.

    However, there are no prerequisites for such a serious revision of the conditions on the part of banks no – the regulator has been keeping the key rate at the current level for several meetings in a row. The transition to easing monetary policy is expected in the second half of 2025, provided that inflation does not exceed the forecast values, but even in this case, one should not expect a sharp reduction in the rate.

    14:35 04/29/2025

    Source:

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //Mainfin.ru/novosti/Chudny-results-out-and-pound-idle-fish-prying-zest-oatmeal

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos Australia: 7Bit Casino Ranked Top Choice for Aussie Players in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Partners include industry leaders like NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, and Evolution Gaming, ensuring high-quality, fair games for Australian online pokies and online blackjack players.

    Banking Methods

    Supports VISA, Mastercard, Neosurf, Skrill, PayID, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. PayID is ideal for Aussies, offering fast transactions for the best online casino in Australia.

    Customer Support

    24/7 live chat responds within seconds, email support is slower, and no phone support is available. A detailed FAQ section addresses common queries, enhancing the experience for best online casinos in Australia.

    The Selection Process: Defining Excellence in Online Gaming

    • Screening: Verify licensing and reputation to ensure trust.
    • Game Evaluation: Assess variety, quality, and provider reputation.
    • Bonus Analysis: Check value, terms, and wagering requirements.
    • Payment Review: Test speed, security, and options like PayID.
    • Support Testing: Evaluate response times and effectiveness.
    • Mobile Testing: Ensure compatibility for online pokies real money on smartphones.
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    Pros and Cons of 7Bit Online Casino

    Pros Cons
    Over 10,000 games, including real money pokies High wagering requirements on bonuses
    Welcome bonus: 10,800 AUD + 250 FS No phone support
    Fast PayID and crypto withdrawals No third-party audits (e.g., eCogra)
    24/7 live chat support  
    Mobile-friendly platform  
    Curacao license and SSL encryption  
    Responsible gambling tools  


    Explore the Best Online Pokies and Casino Games at 7Bit Casino

    7Bit’s 10,000+ games provide a thrilling experience for real money pokies Australia players and beyond:

    1. Pokies (Slots)

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    • Roulette: European, American, and French options provide diverse betting opportunities.
    • Baccarat: A simple yet rewarding card game with a low house edge.
    • Poker: Video poker titles like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild for solo play.

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    Roulette options provide diverse betting opportunities:

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    Payment Options Available At The Best Online Casinos in Australia

    • Fiat Currency
    Method Deposit Withdrawal Processing Time
    VISA/Mastercard Yes No N/A
    Neosurf Yes No N/A
    Skrill Yes Yes Instant
    Interac Yes Yes Instant
    Neteller Yes Yes Instant
    Paysafe Card Yes No N/A
    PayID Yes Yes 1-24 hours
    Bank Transfer Yes Yes 3-7 days
    • Cryptocurrency
         
    Method Deposit Withdrawal Processing Time
    Bitcoin Yes Yes <1 hour
    Litecoin Yes Yes <1 hour
    Binance Coin Yes Yes <1 hour
    Ethereum Yes Yes <1 hour
    Dogecoin Yes Yes <1 hour

    PayID and crypto are the fastest, ideal for online pokies Australia payid users, while bank transfers are slower but reliable.

    The Most Popular Pay-out Methods at 7Bit Casino

    • Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin for speed and anonymity.
    • PayID: Fast, Aussie-friendly for online pokies Australia payid users.
    • E-Wallets: Skrill and Neteller for instant withdrawals.
    • Bank Transfers: Slower but reliable for larger transactions.

    PayID and crypto are preferred for their speed, making them ideal for PayID casino players.

    VIP Program at 7Bit Casino

    7Bit’s VIP program rewards loyal players with exclusive bonuses, personalized support, and up to 20% cashback. Higher levels offer faster withdrawals, special gifts, and dedicated account managers. Players earn points through wagering on real money pokies in Australia, unlocking perks like free spins and tournament entries. The program enhances the experience for PayID casino users, adding value to every bet.

    Final Thoughts About the Best Online Casino in Australia

    7Bit Casino is likely the top choice for Aussie players in 2025, offering a vast game selection, generous bonuses, and fast PayID withdrawals. Despite minor drawbacks like high wagering requirements and no phone support, its strengths in game variety, mobile compatibility, and player-focused features make it a standout PayID casino.

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    Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Online Casinos Australia

    1. Is 7Bit Casino legal in Australia?
      7Bit is licensed by Curacao, making it accessible to Australian players. However, online gambling laws vary by state, so players should verify local regulations to ensure compliance before playing real money pokies Australia or other games.
    2. What payment methods are accepted?
      7Bit supports VISA, Mastercard, Neosurf, Skrill, PayID, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more. PayID and cryptocurrencies are the fastest, ideal for online pokies Australia payid users, offering secure and efficient transactions for PayID casino players.
    3. How long do withdrawals take?
      Cryptocurrency withdrawals process in under an hour, PayID takes 1-24 hours, and e-wallets like Skrill are instant. Bank transfers can take 3-7 days, depending on the bank, making PayID and crypto preferred for real money pokies Australia players.
    4. What’s the welcome bonus?
      7Bit offers up to 10,800 AUD + 250 free spins across four deposits, plus a payid pokies australia no deposit bonus of 75 free spins (code ‘75BIT’, x45 wagering). This package is ideal for new players exploring online pokies with real money and other games.
    5. Is mobile gaming available?
      7Bit’s mobile platform is fully optimized for iOS and Android, mirroring the desktop experience. Players can enjoy online pokies Australia, online blackjack real money, and live dealer games on the go with seamless performance and intuitive navigation.

    EMAIL: Support@7bitCasino.com

    Disclaimers and Affiliate Disclosure

    General Disclaimer
    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and user reviews as of April 24, 2025. No warranties are made, and users must verify information before acting.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer
    Online gambling carries risks and isn’t suitable for everyone. Confirm you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We don’t promote gambling; participation is at your risk. 7Bit Casino is a third-party platform, and we’re not liable for losses or disputes.

    Affiliate Disclosure
    This article may include affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content. Our reviews are unbiased, and we recommend only valuable products. Do your own research before signing up or playing real money pokies in Australia.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e955b95c-b051-4108-9d06-23bb3d13cbcd

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: SUTNTIB AB Tewox audited consolidated and separate annual financial statements for 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vilnius, Lithuania, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    AB Tewox (the Company) publishes its audited annual consolidated and separate financial statements for 2024 together with Company’s and Group’s annual management report for 2024.

    Financial results

    The objective of the Company is to earn a return to shareholders through investments in individual income-generating real estate objects – either under development or already developed – intended for retail or other (commercial and/or residential) purposes in the Baltic Sea Region countries – Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Poland and Germany. The main financial indicators for the period were:

    • As at 31 December 2024, the Company’s total assets were EUR 75,648 thousand, total equity was EUR 43,448 thousand, and total liabilities were EUR 32,200 thousand.
    • As at 31 December 2024, the Company’s investment assets at fair value through profit or loss were EUR 69,908 thousand, which compared to 31 December 2023, grew by EUR 4,029 thousand (or 6.21 %).
    • From January to December 2024, The Company earned EUR 3.344 thousand in total comprehensive income.

    Key events of 2024:

    • In 2024, the Company, through its managed subsidiaries, acquired investment property with a total acquisition value of approximately EUR 23.9 million:
      • Commercial building, located at 83 Dariaus ir Girėno g., Jurbarkas, Lietuva;
      • Commercial building, located at 2 Chrobrego, Radom, Lenkija;
      • Commercial building, located at 211 Zgierska, Łódź, Lenkija;
      • Land plot, located at 46 Artojų g., Kaunas, Lietuva.
    • In 2024 the Company issued private bonds with nominal value of EUR 9.974 million and redeemed private bonds with a nominal value of EUR 26.570 million.
    • On 13 August 2024, the Group’s prospectus for a public bond offering of EUR 35 million was approved. During 2024, the Company issued bonds with a nominal value of EUR 23.774 million.

    Key events after the end of the financial year:

    • On January 19, 2025, the third tranche of the public bond issuance was completed, during which the Company issued bonds with a total nominal value of EUR 11.226 million.
    • At the end of January 2025, the Company executed an early redemption of bonds in accordance with applicable early redemption terms, redeeming private bonds with a nominal value of EUR 7.474 million.
    • In March 2025, the Company, through its subsidiary, has completed a transaction for the acquisition of two Lidl store buildings in Panevėžys and Jurbarkas, for which it received EUR 6.7 million in financing from a credit institution.

    Shareholder’s meeting

    According to the Law on Companies of Republic of Lithuania, the annual financial statements prepared by the Management are authorised by the General Shareholders’ meeting. The shareholders hold the power not to approve the annual financial statements and the right to request new financial statements to be prepared. 

    The shareholders of the Company will vote on approving the Group’s and Company’s 2024 financial statements at a shareholders’ meeting to be held on 30 April 2025. The meeting will also consider a proposal for the distribution of profits, it is proposed to allocate profits as follows:

    Article Amount, EUR
    Retained earnings (loss) – at the beginning of financial year (4,339,664)
    Change in accounting policy 2,979,859
    Retained earnings (loss) – at the beginning of financial year after the change in accounting policy (1,360,105)
    Comprehensive income (loss) for the reporting period – net profit for the current year 3,344,405
    Interim dividends paid in 2024 (400,000)
    Profit transfer to the legal reserve
    Retained earnings (loss) – at the end of financial year 1,584,300
    Profit distribution:  
    Profit transfer to the legal reserve (167,220)
    Profit transfer to other reserves
    Profit to be paid as dividends (1,274,534)
    Retained earnings (loss) at the end of the financial year for 2024 and previous financial periods 142,546

    Additional agenda items of the shareholders’ meeting – the amendment of the Company’s Articles of Association, the establishment of the Audit Committee, the and approval of its guidelines.

    Contact person for further information:

    Paulius Nevinskas

    Manager of the Investment Company

    paulius.nevinskas@lordslb.lt

    https://lordslb.lt/tewox_bonds/

    Attachments

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos Canada 2025: 7Bit Casino Recognized as the Best Overall Choice

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — We played through plenty of online casinos across Canada, hoping to find great bonuses and a good time, but most fell short. After talking to a few local players, one name kept popping up, so we decided to check it out. That’s how we ended up at 7Bit Casino, and right away, it felt different. We were greeted with a 325% bonus up to 5.25 BTC and 250 free spins. The site’s packed with thousands of slots, live games, and fast, crypto-friendly payments.

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    Our Favourite Overall Casino

    7Bit Casino is our top pick among the best online casinos in Canada for 2025. Its seamless integration of crypto gaming, a vast slot selection, and rapid payouts make it a standout. The Curacao license guarantees security, while its cryptocurrency focus positions it as a leading anonymous online casino. For players seeking the best online casinos in Canada, 7Bit’s innovative features, player-centric design, and commitment to fairness make it an unrivaled choice.

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    7Bit Casino Features

    7Bit Casino stands out as one of the best online casinos in Canada, licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission for a secure, fair experience. Its mobile compatibility ensures seamless access to games, account management, and withdrawals on the go. With over 10,000 games from 100+ providers, it offers a diverse selection of slots, table games, and live dealers.

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    Pros and Cons of 7Bit Casino

    Pros Cons
    Over 10,000 games, including top slots and live dealer options High wagering requirements on some bonuses
    Instant withdrawals via crypto and Pay ID Occasional regional game restrictions
    Generous welcome bonus: 5.25 BTC + 250 free spins  
    Supports fiat and crypto payments  
    Robust VIP program with exclusive rewards  


    Pros Explained:

    • Game Variety: 7Bit’s extensive library offers endless entertainment, from the best online pokies to immersive live dealer experiences, catering to all player preferences.
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    Regulation of the Best Online Casinos in Canada

    The best online casinos in Canada adhere to stringent regulations to ensure player safety and fairness. Key regulatory aspects include:

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    These regulations create a secure and transparent environment, making platforms like 7Bit trusted choices among the best online casinos in Canada.

    How We Selected 7Bit as the Best Online Casinos in Canada

    Our selection process for the best online casinos in Canada is meticulous, focusing on critical criteria to ensure quality and reliability:

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    Responsive 24/7 support via live chat, email, and comprehensive FAQs is crucial. 7Bit excels in this area, ensuring player satisfaction.

    How We Choose the Top-Rated Casino Sites

    Our evaluation criteria for top-rated casino sites like 7Bit include:

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    7Bit excels across these metrics, solidifying its place among the best online casinos Canada.

    The Selection Process: Defining Excellence in Online Gaming

    Excellence in online gaming, as demonstrated by 7Bit, involves a holistic approach:

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    About Gaming in 7Bit Casino

    Gaming at 7Bit is immersive, intuitive, and endlessly engaging. The user-friendly interface simplifies navigation, allowing players to explore the vast library with ease. Frequent game additions ensure a fresh experience, while high-RTP titles maximize winning potential.

    Whether spinning the best online pokies, strategizing in live dealer games, or enjoying instant win thrills, players benefit from a platform designed for entertainment and fairness. The crypto focus makes 7Bit a best no KYC casino, offering anonymous play without sacrificing security.

    Additional 7Bit Features

    • Loyalty Program: A multi-tiered VIP system offers escalating rewards, including higher cashback percentages, free spins, and dedicated account managers for top-tier players.
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    • Player Feedback Integration: 7Bit actively incorporates user suggestions, adding requested games and improving features.
    • Crypto Tutorials: Guides for new crypto users simplify deposits and withdrawals, enhancing accessibility.
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    Bonuses and Promotions of 7Bit Casino

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    Payment Options

    7Bit offers a versatile range of payment methods, catering to all player preferences:

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      • Mastercard: Widely accepted for deposits and withdrawals.
      • Interac: Popular in Canada for fast, local transactions.
      • Skrill: E-wallet for rapid transfers.
      • Neteller: Trusted e-wallet with global reach.
      • Paysafe Card: Prepaid option for secure deposits.
      • Bank Transfer: Reliable but slower for withdrawals.
      • Neosurf: Prepaid voucher for anonymous deposits.
      • EcoPayz: Eco-friendly e-wallet with low fees.
      • MuchBetter: Mobile-friendly payment app for quick transactions.
    • Cryptocurrencies:
      • Bitcoin (BTC): Industry-standard for fast, anonymous transactions.
      • Ethereum (ETH): Smart contract-based crypto for secure payments.
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    Customer Support

    7Bit provides robust 24/7 support through:

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    • FAQ Section: Comprehensive self-help resources covering account management, payments, and bonuses.

    While phone support is absent, the responsive live chat and email systems ensure player satisfaction. The FAQ section is regularly updated based on player queries, reflecting 7Bit’s commitment to user experience, a key trait of the best online casinos Canada.

    Games Available in 7Bit Casino

    7Bit’s expansive library of over 10,000 games includes:

    Slots

    Featuring the best online pokies, with high-RTP titles and diverse themes:

    • Mega Moolah: Progressive jackpot with life-changing payouts, ideal for jackpot hunters.
    • Starburst: Vibrant, fast-paced slot with frequent wins.
    • Book of Dead: Adventure-themed favorite with immersive storytelling.
    • Johnny Cash: Music-inspired slot with engaging features.
    • Raging Lion: Safari-themed game with big win potential.

    Table Games

    Classic and modern variants for strategic players:

    • Blackjack: Includes Classic, Multi-Hand, and European variants for varied gameplay.
    • Roulette: European, American, and French versions with distinct betting options.
    • Baccarat: Punto Banco and Speed Baccarat for quick, elegant play.
    • Craps: Fast-paced dice game with multiple betting strategies.
    • Poker: Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, and Video Poker (Jacks or Better) for skill-based fun.

    Live Dealer Games

    Powered by Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, offering immersive real-time experiences:

    • Live Blackjack: Multi-table options with interactive dealers.
    • Live Roulette: HD streaming for authentic spins, with European and American variants.
    • Live Baccarat: Elegant gameplay with professional croupiers.
    • Live Poker: Casino Hold’em and Three Card Poker for strategic battles.
    • Game Shows: Dream Catcher, Crazy Time, and Monopoly Live for entertainment-driven play.

    Instant Win Games

    Quick-play options for instant thrills:

    • Scratch Cards: Simple games with instant prize reveals.
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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Show “Don’t Sleep!” at the Polytechnic: music, interactive and acting performances

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The immersive music show “Don’t Sleep!” was held at the Polytechnic University Student Club. The event was decorated in the “Mafia” style and attracted over 300 guests.

    Several hours of music and interactive tasks, fingerprinting and solving the commissar’s board, acting performances and cut scenes – that’s how rich the show turned out to be. The songs were performed not only for the audience, but also with them. One of the features was the alternate performance of compositions by different groups under the direction of vocalists and the invitation of guests to a white dance.

    Each of us put a part of ourselves into the concert. I especially remember the rehearsals, when we devoted time to improvisation and created music the way we felt it together, — shared third-year student of the State Institute of Music and keyboard player Ekaterina Roslyakova.

    The acting troupe united members of the Polytechnic University Student Theatre and ETU “LETI” students. The participants of the show tried on different roles: a commissioner and his assistant, a doctor, a mayor, a cabaret owner and a crazy fanatic. They had to interact with civilians, who became fewer and fewer by the end of the show, while the number of mafia supporters increased.

    I have never seen such dedication from a team before. Despite the fact that a lot of effort was expended, with such active people it comes easy, – said LETI master’s student and the actor who plays the mayor Kamil Abdrakhmanov.

    The show “Don’t Sleep!” started in 2023 with a concert-house concert featuring members of the vocal studio Polyvox. This year, the event became one of the most anticipated events of April.

    I can’t believe that our show has become so popular! Everyone had an unforgettable experience. Despite the difficulties, this is exactly what we do everything for, and we need to keep moving forward. And the most valuable thing that this project has given me (and, I think, not only me) is the people, our team, the quartet, the community that together is capable of great achievements, – emphasized the vocalist and first-year student of the PISh “CI” Anastasia Sreznevskaya.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Briefing on healthcare charges held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Health Bureau, together with the Hospital Authority, today held the first District Council (DC) briefing on reforms to public healthcare fees and charges, explaining these to more than 200 DC members and local people.

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said the reforms will enhance healthcare protection for “poor, acute, serious, critical patients”, rationalise subsidy levels for public hospital services, and reduce wastage and abuse, while enhancing the overall sustainability of the public healthcare system.

    He added: “Through this briefing, we hope to elaborate details of the reform to DC members, and leverage the role of DCs as a bridge to help members of the public better understand that the reform is pursued for their benefits.”

    The authority’s Deputising Chief Executive Dr Simon Tang highlighted three key measures aimed at strengthening healthcare protection, namely enhancing the medical fee waiver mechanism, introducing an annual cap of $10,000 for public healthcare fees and charges, and optimising the application and subsidisation of innovative drugs and medical devices.

    Since the announcement of the reforms, the bureau and authority have been working to explain them to the Legislative Council, members of the public, and stakeholders across various sectors.

    A means test calculator has been launched on the authority’s website and on its mobile app, “HA Go”, allowing users to input information on their household income and assets to view a preliminary assessment of their eligibility for the enhanced medical fee waiver and the Samaritan Fund.

    The new fees and charges will take effect on January 1 next year. The bureau and the authority will organise another DC briefing next week.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025 Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    From business success to the National Science Foundation, from policymaking in Hartford to the world’s most popular YouTube sneaker channel, from the Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to the President of the Rwanda Academy of Sciences, the honored guests of UConn’s commencement ceremonies bring a wealth of experience, insight, and wisdom to share with this year’s graduates. Speakers at the ceremonies, which begin on Saturday, May 10, include:

    College of Engineering (Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Mark P. Sarkisian ’83

    Mark Sarkisian is a partner in the San Francisco office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. He is a licensed professional engineer and structural engineer in 31 states. In 2021, Sarkisian was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, and is a member of the University of Connecticut Academy of Distinguished Engineers. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UConn in 1983, and his master’s degree in structural engineering from Lehigh University. Sarkisian’s career focuses on developing innovative structural engineering solutions for over 100 major building projects around the world, including the Jin Mao Tower in China and the Al Hamra Fidrous Tower in Kuwait, both over 1,300 feet[1]tall. Sarkisian holds 10 U.S. patents and five international patents. Sarkisian has authored over 150 technical papers related to the design of building structures, and in 2012 completed his first book, “Designing Tall Buildings – Structure as Architecture.” He teaches integrated studio design courses focused on collaborative design opportunities at the University of California, Berkeley; California College of the Arts; Stanford University; California Polytechnic State University; Northeastern University; North Carolina State University; and the Pratt Institute.

    School of Nursing (Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Joan Y. Reede

    Dr. Joan Y. Reede was appointed as Harvard Medical School’s (HMS) first Dean for Diversity and Community Partnership in January of 2002, and has been responsible for the development and management of a comprehensive program that has provided leadership, guidance, and support to promote the increased recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse faculty, particularly individuals from groups underrepresented in medicine. This charge includes oversight of all diversity activities at HMS as they relate to faculty, trainees, students, and staff. Reede is a graduate of Brown University and Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She completed a pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and a fellowship in child psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital. She holds an MPH and an MS in Health Policy Management from Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and an MBA from Boston University. Reede created and developed more than 20 programs at HMS that aim to address pathway and leadership issues for minorities and women who are interested in careers in medicine, academic and scientific research, and the health care professions. At a national level, Reede’s advice and expertise is highly sought after among several committees and councils, such as being appointed to the Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Minority Health and serving on the Board of Governors for the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center. She also has many affiliations, including the Task Force for the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, CTSA Women in CTR Interest Group of the NIH, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science STEM Education Review Committee.

    School of Business (Saturday, May 10, 1:30 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Richard Eldh ‘81

    Rich Eldh was born in the village of Ardsley, New York, and moved homes five times between the ages of 5 and 15. He attended Staples High School in Westport, graduating as a three-sport athlete and an all-state football player. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Connecticut. In what would have been his junior year, 1978–1979, he took a leave of absence to travel abroad, living in Kempten, Germany, in Bavaria. There, he worked at Dixie Union, a manufacturing company, as a computer programmer, where he developed new automation software for the finance department. This experience in Germany highlighted the significant impact computing technology would have on business. Motivated by this realization, he decided to pursue a career in the computer industry. Upon returning to the University of Connecticut for his final two years, he majored in finance at the School of Business and graduated in 1981 with a degree in Finance. He first joined a manufacturing firm implementing automation software, then moved to Four Phase Systems, a Motorola company, selling data entry systems. Later, he joined Hewlett-Packard, specializing in manufacturing systems and automation. It was at HP that he met his wife; they married and started a family. After working for two very large corporations, Rich joined a startup called Gartner Group in Stamford. He was the 100th employee, and in ten years, the company grew from $9 million in revenue to just under $1 billion with 4,500 employees. Today, Gartner boasts a market cap of $38 billion with 21,000 employees. These early career highlights led Rich to co-found Sirius Decisions, which became a leader in high-performance go-to[1]market research and benchmarking. Headquartered in Wilton, Sirius Decisions grew to 400 employees with private equity backing and offices worldwide. The company was eventually monetized for approximately $300 million through a sale to a public company in Boston. Throughout his career, he has had the honor of working with associates and clients across more than 50 countries. Alongside his career, Rich and his wife Joyce raised two daughters and a son. They have each found success in the medical field, the fashion world, and the blockchain and crypto industry, respectively.

    School of Social Work (Saturday, May 10, 1:30 p.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Maggie Mitchell Salem

    Maggie Mitchell Salem joined IRIS as Executive Director in January 2024. Throughout her nearly 30-year career, Maggie has managed diverse teams focused on civic education, intercultural dialogue, social and political rights, and forced displacement. She arrived in Connecticut following three years leading the National Democratic Institute’s democratic governance program in Tunisia. Given the exponential increase in the number of refugees, humanitarian parolees, and other immigrants that IRIS assists, Maggie has focused on organizational structure, systems, and policies that create a strong foundation for the organization’s continued growth. Her previous experience at Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services) and Fugees Academy have underscored the importance of collaborative, communicative leadership and management. For more than a decade, she was the founding executive director of Qatar Foundation International and expanded Arabic language and culture education to public K-12 schools across the U.S., UK, and Germany. As the Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), she expanded or created new programs in Jordan, Iran, and Iraq. Maggie started up and led the Middle East Institute’s Communications Department from 2001-2004. She also served as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer in Mumbai and Tel Aviv, and as staff on the Executive Secretariat of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Maggie was a Fulbright Scholar in Syria while studying for her Masters in Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. She has two sons and two daughters. She lives with her six dogs and two cats in East Haddam.

    Bachelor of General Studies (Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m. at Student Union Theater): Daniel Mercier ‘95

    Daniel Mercier graduated from the Bachelor of General Studies program in 1995 with a focus in Visual Communications. After serving as a Graphics Specialist for a few years, Mercier returned to UConn in 1998 as a Media Producer. In 2001, he transitioned to the role of Instructional Developer in the Instructional Design and Development Department. After completing a Master of Arts in Educational Technology in 2003, Mercier became Manager of Instructional Design and Development and ultimately served as Assistant Director and Director of the Institute of Teaching and Learning. In 2015, he took on the role of Director, Instructional Design, in the Center for Pedagogical Innovation at Wesleyan University. In 2017, Mercier returned to UConn as the Director of Academic Affairs at the Avery Point Campus of the University of Connecticut. Throughout his 30-plus-year career, Mercier has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the development of instructional tools, to help faculty utilize technologies to reach our students. In his work, he has supported faculty, staff and students across the higher education landscape. His commitment to the University of Connecticut spans nearly 25 years. In his current position, he recruits faculty, oversees academic advising and other academic support programs, and develops partnerships between the Avery Point campus and other academic entities within and outside UConn. These partnerships include the support of students in the Bachelor of General Studies Program.

    College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (Saturday, May 10, 6 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Rodney Butler ’99 (BUS)

    Rodney A. Butler is the Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) since January 2010. Butler’s service on Tribal Council began in 2004, and after one year, he was appointed Tribal Council Treasurer; a position he held through 2009. During his tenure, Butler chaired the Tribe’s Finance, Housing, and Judicial Committees, the MPTN Utility Authority, and served as an Interim CEO for Foxwoods Resort Casino. Butler earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Connecticut where he played Defensive Back for the UConn Huskies football team. Prior to Tribal Council, Butler worked in the finance department at Foxwoods Resort Casino. He later became Chairman of the Tribal Business Advisory Board; an executive body responsible for overseeing the Tribe’s non-gaming businesses and commercial properties. Butler was actively involved in multiple resort expansions at Foxwoods, as well as community development initiatives on the Reservation, the establishment of the Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribe Endowment Trust, and the legalization of Sports Betting and iGaming in the state of Connecticut. He was also a participant in Harvard Business School’s program “Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities.” He is a regular speaker on national panels related to Native American issues. Butler presently serves on the Board of Directors for Mashantucket Pequot Interactive and is on the board of Foxwoods El San Juan Casino. He also serves as the President of Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA), as Alternate Vice President for the National Congress of American Indians, and on the boards for the United South and Eastern Tribes, Indian Gaming Association, American Gaming Association, the Mystic Aquarium, and the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. He is the 2019 recipient of the Citizen of the Year award from the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, and the National Indian Gaming Association’s John Kieffer Sovereignty Award. In 2018, he received the St. Edmund’s Medal of Honor Award from the Enders Island Retreat Center. In 2017, Butler was appointed “Tribal Leader of the Year” by the NAFOA. As Chairman, Butler’s primary focus is to ensure long-term stability for the Tribe’s citizens, government, and business enterprises.

    School of Fine Arts (Saturday, May 10, 6 p.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Jacob G. Padrón

    Jacob G. Padrón is the Artistic Director of Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven. He is also the Founder and Artistic Director of The Sol Project, a national theater initiative that works in partnership with leading theater companies to amplify the voices of Latino playwrights in New York City and beyond. Padrón has held senior-level artistic positions at theater companies across the country. He was the Senior Line Producer at The Public Theater where he worked on new plays, new musicals, Shakespeare in the Park, and Public Works. He was formerly the Producer at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago where he supported the artistic programming in the Garage – Steppenwolf’s dedicated space for new work, new artists, and new audiences. From 2008 to 2011, he was an Associate Producer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where he was instrumental in producing all shows in the 11-play repertory. Under the guidance of his late mentor Diane Rodriguez, he served as the producer of Suzan-Lori Parks’ “365 Days/365 Plays” for Center Theatre Group, a collaboration that included over 50 theater companies to launch Festival 365 in Los Angeles. He is a co-founder of the Artist Anti-Racism Coalition, a grassroots movement committed to dismantling structural racism within the Off-Broadway community. Jacob is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University (B.A.) and David Geffen School of Drama (M.F.A.). His first artistic home was El Teatro Campesino located in San Juan Bautista, California.

     

    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Ceremony I (Sunday, May 11, 9 a.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Maureen Ahern ‘85

    Maureen Ahern is an Executive Leadership Coach on her third career whose journey began in the same classrooms as today’s graduates. A proud Husky who earned both a Bachelors and a Masters, Maureen’s connection to UConn runs deep. For over 10 years, she returned to UConn Stamford each week as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Interpersonal Communications and Public Speaking after her corporate day job in New York, driven by her belief that becoming a great communicator gives you the power and confidence to take meaningful action to shape your future. Maureen started as a Sales Executive at The Associated Press and quickly rose to lead the Satellite Networks division before transitioning to Standard and Poor’s Comstock. At S&P she led many different departments as Director of Operations, VP of US Sales and Managing Director for Asian and South American markets, building successful international relationships while traveling the world. She was part of the management team that sold Comstock to IDC and then pivoted from corporate into the digital world, as Partner and COO of momAgenda, where she helped build a thriving e-commerce company. Drawing on her teaching background, leadership experience and desire to coach and mentor others, Maureen completed her leadership coaching certification at Georgetown University’s Transformational Leadership Institute. Today as Founder of Ahern Leadership Coaching and Consulting, Maureen partners with C-suite executives and emerging leaders across industries, facilitating leadership development through one-on-one coaching, team coaching, and specialized training and leadership development workshops. Her coaching philosophy – described by clients as “tough but loving”-centers on her belief that leaders aren’t born, they are made and that everyone has leadership capacity waiting to be unlocked through awareness, action and courage. Maureen was a mentor with the Freshman Founders Program at the Werth Institute at UConn Stamford, in addition to her volunteer work with CT NEXT and Startup Westport as a business mentor. She is also an angel investor with Tidal River Fund whose goal is to fund underrepresented founders. When not working with her clients whom she loves and adores, Maureen enjoys yoga, beach walks, and time with her three adult children (Patrick, Brendan and Caeleigh). She shares life in Cos Cob with her husband Mike Santini (fellow UConn grad) and their black lab, Nino.

    Neag School of Education (Sunday, May 11, 9 a.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Suzanne M. Wilson

    Suzanne M. Wilson is the Neag Endowed Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education, where she also serves as a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Her undergraduate degree is in history and American studies from Brown University; she also has an M.S. in statistics and a Ph.D. in psychological studies in education from Stanford University. She was a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University, where she served on the faculty for 26 years. Wilson also served as the first director of the Teacher Assessment Project, which developed prototype assessments for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Wilson is a committed teacher, having taught undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral classes in educational policy, teacher learning, and research methods. She has directed 36 dissertations and served as a committee member for another 45. Wilson serves on multiple editorial and advisory boards. She was elected to the National Academy of Education in 2013 and to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022. Wilson has written on teacher knowledge, qualitative methods, curriculum reform, educational policy, and teacher preparation and professional development. She has published in Science, American Educator, American Educational Research Journal, Educational Researcher, Review of Educational Research, Elementary School Journal, Teaching and Teacher Education, Journal of Teacher Education, Phi Delta Kappa, and Teaching Education. She is the author of “California Dreaming: Reforming Mathematics Education” (Yale, 2003) and editor of Lee Shulman’s collection of essays, “Wisdom of Practice: Essays on Teaching, Learning, and Learning to Teach” (Jossey-Bass, 2004). She is currently working on a collection of essays entitled, “Why Teach?”

    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Ceremony II (Sunday, May 11, 1:30 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Joe La Puma ‘05

    Joe La Puma serves as SVP of Content Strategy at Complex NTWRK and hosts Complex’s Sneaker Shopping, the world’s No. 1 sneaker show, which has garnered over 1 billion views on YouTube. He has been at the forefront of sneaker and street culture at Complex for the past 15 years. La Puma started his journalism career writing for The Daily Campus and was voted “Rookie of the Year” by fellow staffers. After graduating from UConn in 2005 with a degree in Journalism, he returned to Bay Shore to manage The Finish Line—where he previously worked in high school—while contributing articles to both local and global publications like Newsday and Hypebeast.com. In 2006, La Puma landed an internship at Complex magazine, a pop culture publication specializing in convergence culture through hip-hop, sneakers, and fashion. La Puma has written more cover stories (21) than any other writer in Complex history, including profiles on Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Kid Cudi. La Puma is also a published author of the book “Complex Presents: Sneaker of the Year: The Best Since ’85.” In his current SVP role, La Puma has led Complex to over 200% growth in audience and engagement. In 2014, Complex debuted the YouTube show Sneaker Shopping, a series that La Puma created and hosts to this day. Over the past decade of Sneaker Shopping, La Puma has interviewed icons like Eminem, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg, Billie Eilish, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and conducted one of the only lifestyle interviews with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2020 election cycle. The show has filmed episodes across the U.S., as well as abroad in China, England, Spain, and Japan. With his extensive editorial work on footwear and over 300 episodes of Sneaker Shopping, La Puma is regarded as one of the foremost sneaker experts in the world. La Puma is a three-time Webby Award winner and has been featured on Good Morning America, and The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. In 2024, La Puma was inducted into the Bay Shore High School Hall of Fame, a group that includes only 79 members since the school opened in 1893. La Puma currently lives in Brooklyn, and takes half-days at work when he can during UConn Basketball March Madness runs.

    School of Pharmacy – Doctor of Pharmacy (Sunday, May 11, 1:30 p.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): JoAnn Trejo

    JoAnn Trejo, Ph.D., MBA is professor of pharmacology and senior assistant Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences Faculty Affairs at the University of California (UC) San Diego. She completed her undergraduate degree at UC Davis, earned her Ph.D. and MBA at UC San Diego and completed postdoctoral training at UC San Francisco. Trejo is a basic science researcher with expertise in cell signaling in the context of vascular inflammation and cancer. Her research has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and she is a recipient of a NIH R35 Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) and the American Heart Association Established Investigator Award. Trejo is an outstanding educator, mentor and a leader actively engaged in initiatives aimed at enhancing excellence in science and pharmacology. She is the director of five NIH-supported training programs including the UC San Diego IRACDA Postdoctoral Scholars Program, FIRST Program and three early career faculty development programs. Trejo served as an elected member of the leadership Council for the ASCB and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and is a current member of the scientific advisory boards for Septerna and Versiti. She has also served on multiple NIH Study Sections, the NCI Board of Scientific Counselors for Basic Sciences, and Blavatnik, HHMI and Chan Zuckerberg foundation review panels. Trejo is a current member of the NIGMS Advisory Council. She is the Associate Editor for Molecular Biology of the Cell and is an editorial board member for Proceedings National Academy of Sciences Nexus, Journal of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. Trejo is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Fellow and 100 Inspiring Hispanic / Latinx Scientists and was recently elected honorary fellow of the British Pharmacological Society.

    College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Ceremony III (Sunday, May 11, 5:30 p.m., Gampel Pavilion): Joe La Puma ‘05

    School of Pharmacy – Bachelor of Science (Sunday, May 11, 6 p.m., Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Joe Honcz ‘98

    Joe Honcz is a distinguished expert in managed care and market access, boasting a robust 25-year career that spans significant sectors of the health care industry. Early in his career, he played a pivotal role in leading teams for the launch of Medicare Part D, followed by instrumental involvement in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act while at Anthem BCBS and Aetna. Since 2020, Joe has leveraged his profound understanding of managed care to deliver strategic market access insights, empowering over 20 biotech and pharmaceutical clients to effectively navigate complex market dynamics. His contributions have been crucial in the successful launch of innovative products in both traditional and rare/orphan disease categories. As a “pharmacy futurist,” he continues to drive innovation and shape market access strategies at Petauri Health, supporting the emerging pharmaceutical and health tech industries. His exceptional ability to anticipate industry trends has consistently provided clients with strategic advantages, enabling them to stay ahead of competitors with foresight and precision. Beyond his professional endeavors, Joe is actively involved at Yale Ventures as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and at the University of Connecticut Technology Commercialization Services in the same capacity. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of St. Joseph School of Pharmacy and is on the Board of Directors for the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) and Avery’s Little Army, whose mission is to honor the legacy of Avery Marie Lafferty, an exceptionally brave cancer rebel, and all patients like her. Joe’s extensive background is complemented by diverse roles at Pfizer, Walgreens, Humana, PrecisionAQ, and CVS. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Connecticut, underscoring his deep roots and commitment to the field. In addition to being a Board member, he is also an AMCP diplomat to the UConn School of Pharmacy, where he fulfills his passion for mentoring and coaching.

    The Graduate School – Masters Ceremony (Monday, May 12, 9 a.m. at Gampel Pavilion): Manasse Mbonye ’95 Ph.D.

    Manasse Mbonye is a Founding Fellow of the Rwanda Academy of Sciences (RAS) and its current President. He is also the Group Leader and Professor, Rwanda Astrophysics Space and Climate Sciences Research Group (RASCSRG) at the University of Rwanda and a member of the national Science Advisory Group (SAG). By Training, Mbonye is a theoretical Astrophysicist and Cosmologist. He completed his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut in 1995. Mbonye has taught Physics at various institutions including UConn, the University of Michigan, and RIT. He has also worked at NASA (Goddard Space Flight Center). In 2012, Mbonye returned to Africa. Since then, his appointments have included, Provost (later) Ag Rector (National University of Rwanda), the first Principal (University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology), and Executive Secretary (Rwanda’s National Council for Science and Technology, (NCST)). During Mbonye’s tenure, NCST instituted a major review of Rwanda’s Science, Technology, Research and Innovation (STRI) policy. Further, the National Research and Innovation Agenda (NRIA) was constructed, along with its implementation enabler, the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) framework. Rwanda launched the NRIF in June 2018. Mbonye has served on the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTCO) Board of Directors as its Rapporteur (2017-2018). He has also been Chairman of the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) (2015-2018), Rwanda’s sole electric energy production source and utility company. Prof. Mbonye continues to do research and supervise students, at the University of Rwanda.

     

    UConn Health (Monday, May 12, 1 p.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Manisha Juthani

    Dr. Manisha Juthani, is the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Juthani is the first Indian American to serve as a commissioner in the State of Connecticut. She served as professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine through September 2024 and currently serves as an adjunct professor of medicine. She served as Director of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program from 2012 to 2021. Juthani received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and M.D. from Cornell University Medical College, completed Internal Medicine residency training at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell campus, and served as chief resident at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She came to Connecticut in 2002 as an Infectious Diseases fellow at Yale School of Medicine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Juthani was a leader in the COVID response at Yale which led to her appointment as Commissioner of CT DPH in 2021. In the early days of the pandemic, she was a voice to help educate the public in both local and national media outlets, a role she was able to expand in her role as Commissioner. Upon joining CT DPH, she helped guide Connecticut out of the pandemic and worked to revitalize areas of public health, such as gun violence, maternal health, opioid use, and sexually transmitted diseases, that were exacerbated during the pandemic. As she continues in her role as DPH Commissioner, Juthani has shifted her core vision to “Preserve and Protect Core Public Health Principles and Services.” As Connecticut is presented with new public health challenges, she remains committed to preserving public health achievements made over the years, including improvements in regulatory oversight in health care, drinking water, and environmental health which includes food safety. It is more important than ever to highlight the importance of vaccines, control of infectious diseases, road safety, and healthier mothers and babies. Clear, accurate communication about public health risks is vital to her mission. She continues to advocate for health as a human right which is the core vision of CT DPH. Juthani is on the Board of Directors of UConn Health.

    The Graduate School – Doctoral Ceremony (Monday, May 12, 6 p.m. at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts): Sethuraman Panchanathan

    Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan is a computer scientist and engineer who served as the 15th director of the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) from 2020 until 2025. Panchanathan was nominated to by the president in 2019 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on June 18, 2020. NSF is a $9.06 billion independent federal agency, and the only government agency charged with advancing all fields of scientific discovery, technological innovation and science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

    Panchanathan previously served as the executive vice president of the Arizona State University (ASU) Knowledge Enterprise, where he was also chief research and innovation officer. He was also the founder and director of the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing at ASU. Under his leadership, the university increased research performance fivefold, earning recognition as the fastest growing and most innovative research university in the U.S.

    Prior to joining NSF, Panchanathan was appointed by the president to serve on the National Science Board, where he was a chair of the Committee on Strategy and a member of the External Engagement and National Science and Engineering Policy committees. Additionally, he was chair of the Council on Research of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and co-chair of the Extreme Innovation Taskforce of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils. Arizona’s governor appointed Panchanathan as senior advisor for science and technology in 2018. He was the editor-in-chief of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) MultiMedia magazine and editor and associate editor of several international journals.

    For his scientific contributions, Panchanathan has received numerous awards, including honorary doctorates from prestigious universities, distinguished alumni awards, the Governor’s Innovator of the Year for Academia Award, the Washington Academy of Sciences Distinguished Career Award and the IEEE-USA Public Service Award.

    Panchanathan is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, where he also served as vice president for strategic initiatives. He is also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Association for Computing Machinery, IEEE and the Society of Optical Engineering.

    School of Law (Sunday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. at UConn School of Law): Mayor Arunan Arulampalam

    The son of Sri Lankan refugees, Arunan Arulampalam was born in Zimbabwe and made a home and a family in Hartford after graduate school. Prior to being elected mayor of Hartford in November 2023, he served as CEO of the Hartford Land Bank, where he developed a first-in-the-nation program to train Hartford residents to become local developers and tackle blight in their city. Arulampalam served in Governor Ned Lamont’s administration as Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Before that, he was a lawyer at the downtown firm Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. Arulampalam also served on the Board of the Hartford Public Library, the House of Bread, and on the Hartford Redevelopment Authority. He earned his BA in International Studies from Emory University and his JD from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens to stand in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election

    Source: Scottish Greens

    Every vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for people and planet.

    The Scottish Greens have announced that they will be standing in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election on June 5th. 

    The Green candidate, Ann McGuinness, is a voice for equality and climate action in South Lanarkshire and beyond.

    Ann is a director of a charity which promotes rural connections and champions rural diversity. Her own lived experiences of poverty and disability provide her with valuable insight into the challenges faced by many whose voices are often unheard in our public discourse.

    A dedicated feminist and environmental justice campaigner, Ann is a mum of two and has championed climate education. Ann has a strong track record of working across party lines to support women in politics, and is a co-convenor of the Scottish Greens Women’s Network.

    Ann McGuinness said:

    “I am proud to have been selected to stand in the upcoming by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.

    “I will spend the weeks ahead speaking to as many people as possible across the constituency, to discuss their hopes for their children and their future, the strength and value of their communities and the everyday challenges that they face.

    “Every vote for the Scottish Greens will be a positive vote for a fairer and greener Scotland and a brighter future for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.

    “If we are to build a truly just and green future we need to empower every town and village and ensure that no one is left behind.”

    Scottish Green Co-Leader Patrick Harvie said:

    “None of us want this by-election to be taking place. It should be a positive and respectful contest, and one that lives up to the values that Christina McKelvie lived by.

    “By voting for Ann, the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse have the opportunity to elect an experienced campaigner for equality and environmental justice who will prioritise people and planet.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Passing of Columbus A/S’ Annual General Meeting and subsequent constitution of the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 4/2025

    At Columbus A/S’ Annual General Meeting held on 29 April 2025, all proposals set out in the agenda were adopted, including the following;

    1. The General Meeting took note of the Board of Directors’ report.

    2. The Annual Report for 2024 was approved.

    3. The Board of Directors’ proposal regarding distribution of profit was adopted, including payment of an ordinary dividend to the shareholders of DKK 0.125 per share of DKK 1.25 (nom), amounting to a total dividend of DKK 16,159,533.

    4. The Remuneration Report for 2024 was approved in the indicative ballot.

    5. The General Meeting authorised the Board of Directors for a period of 18 months from the date of the General Meeting to acquire up to 10 per cent of the Company’s share capital against payment which shall not deviate more than 10 per cent up or downwards from the latest listed price of the shares at Nasdaq Copenhagen prior to the acquisition.

    6. Ib Kunøe, Peter Skov Hansen, Sven Madsen, Karina Kirk and Per Kogut were re-elected to the Board of Directors.

    7. Election of state authorized public accountants:

    7.1 Pricewaterhousecoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab, CVR-no. 33 77 12 31 was re-elected as auditor of the Company, and only one auditor was elected.

    7.2 Pricewaterhousecoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab, CVR-no. 33 77 12 31 was re-elected to provide a statement on the management’s sustainability reporting

    Following the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors convened and constituted itself with Ib Kunøe as Chairman of the Board and Sven Madsen as Deputy Chairman of the Board.

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

    For further information, please contact:

    CEO & President, Søren Krogh Knudsen, tel :+45 70 20 50 00

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Allies Against Slavery Releases Landmark State Human Trafficking Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Allies Against Slavery released its first-ever State Human Trafficking Report, analyzing anti-trafficking policies and federal prosecution patterns across all 50 states. The report offers policymakers, law enforcement officials, and service providers the most comprehensive picture to date of how states are addressing human trafficking through legislation and criminal justice responses.

    “This groundbreaking report illuminates the progress our country has made and the gaps that remain in the fight against human trafficking,” said John Nehme, President and CEO of Allies Against Slavery. “For the first time, we’ve assembled data on 695 state policies and over two decades of federal prosecution records to create a more complete picture of America’s anti-trafficking landscape. This report shows that while states have made remarkable progress in establishing basic anti-trafficking frameworks, significant gaps remain in prevention policies that could stop trafficking before it starts.”

    The report examines 20 specific policies across prevention, protection, and prosecution for each state, while also analyzing federal prosecution data from 2000 to 2022.

    Key findings include:

    • States have enacted a total of 695 anti-trafficking policies since 2003, demonstrating significant momentum in legislative responses.
    • States with the most comprehensive policy frameworks include Florida, Tennessee, and Washington, while others like Idaho have significant policy gaps.
    • Prevention policies continue to lag behind prosecution and protection policies, with many states missing critical prevention measures.
    • Prosecution data reveals a significant bias toward cases involving minor victims of sex trafficking, which account for over double the number of adult sex trafficking and labor trafficking cases combined.
    • The most populated states in the U.S. also have the highest numbers of federally prosecuted cases. This includes California (n=222), Florida (n=215), Texas (n=206), and New York (n=184).
    • South Dakota has prosecuted the most federal human trafficking cases per capita, while states like Colorado, Delaware, and Alabama have prosecuted the fewest per capita.

    Dr. Vanessa Bouché, Chief Impact Officer at Allies Against Slavery, emphasized the importance of this data for informing policy decisions: “This report doesn’t just document what states have done—it provides a roadmap for what they should do next. By analyzing policies across prevention, protection, and prosecution, we’ve created a strategic framework states can use to strengthen their anti-trafficking response and close critical gaps.”

    The State Human Trafficking Report will be updated annually to track policy progress and prosecution trends. The full report, along with individual state profiles, is available for download at https://bit.ly/stateHTreport25

    About Allies Against Slavery

    Allies Against Slavery harnesses data to illuminate and eradicate human trafficking through its innovative data platform and strategic partnerships. Since 2010, they have worked to dismantle silos, build networks, and shine a light on the vulnerabilities that lead to exploitation. Their pioneering software, Lighthouse, aggregates national and statewide data to help professionals, leaders, and policymakers identify victims, coordinate care, and understand trafficking trends. To date, Allies’ solutions have helped identify over 20,000 victims of trafficking across the United States. Allies is building a future where every community has the data it needs to combat and prevent human trafficking.

    Learn more about Allies Against Slavery: https://www.alliesagainstslavery.org/

    Media Contact:  Tad Druart (512) 497-9880, tdruart@piercom.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes BW Energy Limited to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced BW Energy Limited (Oslo Bors: BWE; OTCQX: BWERY, BWEFF), a growth-focused oil and gas company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. BW Energy Limited upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    BW Energy Limited begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbols “BWERY” and “BWEFF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    “The OTCQX Market provides a platform for increased recognition and engagement with a wider base of US investors. BW Energy is a fast-growing oil and gas company with production and attractive development assets in Gabon, Namibia and Brazil. We expect cross-trading on OTCQX to create additional long-term value through a broader US investor base and increased trading volumes in our shares,” says Carl K. Arnet, the CEO of BW Energy.

    About BW Energy Limited
    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.

    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market, and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: How can DP operators increase efficiency and reduce emissions without compromising on safety?

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: How can DP operators increase efficiency and reduce emissions without compromising on safety?

    This is the crucial, and some might say contentious, question at the heart of IMCA’s annual DP Conference, which returns on 3 and 4 June in Istanbul, Türkiye.

    This year’s programme will examine Dynamic Positioning (DP) through the lens of the greenhouse gas (GHG) agenda, asking how DP operations can become more efficient and sustainable without compromising on safety through a possible shift towards ‘closed bus’ configurations in DP vessel power systems. 

    Traditionally, DP operations have prioritised redundancy through open bus-tie arrangements, where separate power generation and distribution systems operate independently. This compartmentalisation aims to prevent single failures propagating from one redundant group to another, safeguarding critical capabilities.

    However, the potential for enhanced energy efficiency offered by closed bus operations is driving a re-evaluation of this conventional approach. By interconnecting power systems, closed bus enables more effective load sharing among generators. This can lead to a reduction in the number of engines running at lower loads, resulting in tangible benefits such as decreased fuel consumption, fewer emissions, and reduced wear on machinery.

    Despite these compelling advantages, the adoption of closed bus-tie operations has been tempered by concerns surrounding safety and fault tolerance. At our DP Conference this year we will delve into the technological advancements that are enabling fuel consumption reductions while tackling the safety concerns that are raised because of the trade-off. IMCA has invited a global panel of expert speakers who, alongside its technical advisers, will present on topics such as advanced fault detection mechanisms, high-speed bus protection systems, and strategies for ensuring robust system integrity in the event of component failure. 

    Interactive sessions will provide a forum to discuss real-world implementation challenges and the development of best practices for operating in this interconnected mode. Understanding the nuances of short circuit testing and alternative ride-through testing methodologies, crucial for validating the reliability of closed bus systems, will be a key focus.

    The conference will also address the escalating pressure on the offshore sector to significantly reduce its GHG footprint. Delegates will explore the potential of alternative fuels as well as new ways of thinking about how to minimise emissions from DP vessels, considering the perspective of regulators and operators, whose expectations may not always tally with operational reality.

    The programme will include expert speakers from Subsea7, DNV, Boskalis, Heerema, Fugro, Global Maritime, and Simwave and will be presented by the science journalist, award winning podcaster, and European Space Agency commentator Richard Hollingham.  It will also feature a dedicated session led by IMCA’s GHG Committee, which will explore a more universal approach to emission reduction, with a particular focus on technological innovations, and the challenges to transitioning to cleaner fuels. 

    The Conference will once again facilitate dialogue on the crucial topics facing the DP community and will influence the future work of IMCA’s DP Committee as these issues continue to evolve. By tackling the technical complexities of closed bus-tie operations and the pressing need for GHG emissions reduction, the conference will equip delegates with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate a future characterised by enhanced efficiency and environmental responsibility.

    The conference’s new location, the Renaissance Polat Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye, will facilitate global access to what is now one of the industry’s most significant DP events.

    To find out more and book tickets for IMCA DP Conference 2025, click the link below:

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Data: Since 2014, 52,000 Migrants Died Fleeing Humanitarian Crises; IOM Urges Collective Action 

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Berlin/Geneva, 29 April 2025 – A new report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reveals that most people who die while migrating are not taking dangerous journeys purely out of choice, but out of desperation – fleeing insecurity, conflict, disaster, and other humanitarian crises.  

    Since 2014, more than 52,000 people have died while trying to escape crisis-affected* countries. That’s nearly three-quarters (72%) of all migrant deaths recorded globally during this period. These include over 39,000 people who died within crisis zones, often while trapped in unsafe conditions, and more than 13,500 who died while trying to flee conflict or disaster.  

    “These numbers are a tragic reminder that people risk their lives when insecurity, lack of opportunity, and other pressures leave them with no safe or viable options at home,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “We must invest to create stability and opportunity within communities, so that migration is a choice, not a necessity. And when staying is no longer possible, we must work together to enable safe, legal, and orderly pathways that protect lives.” 

    Crisis Zones: The Deadliest Places for Migrants  

    More than half (54%) of all recorded migrant deaths since 2014 occurred in or near countries affected by conflict or disaster. For example:  

    • In Afghanistan, over 5,000 people have died in transit, including thousands who perished while fleeing the country following the 2021 political upheaval.  
    • Among the Rohingya people from Myanmar, more than 3,100 people have died – many in shipwrecks or while crossing into Bangladesh.  
    • The Central Mediterranean remains the deadliest single migration route worldwide, with nearly 25,000 people lost at sea.  

    A Call for Stronger Global Cooperation  

    Despite the scale of the crisis, migrants are often overlooked in humanitarian planning. Needs assessments and aid appeals frequently fail to include targeted efforts to protect those on the move – even though nearly one in four missing migrants came from a crisis-affected country.

    “Too often, migrants fall through the cracks,” said Julia Black, coordinator of IOM’s Missing Migrants Project and the report’s author. “And due to data gaps – especially in war zones and disaster areas – the true death toll is likely far higher than what we’ve recorded.”  

    IOM is urging States and humanitarian partners to work together to ensure migrants are not excluded from crisis responses. This means expanding legal pathways, improving access to aid and healthcare, and investing in data systems that can better track and protect those at risk.  

    Note to Editor:  

    * For the purposes of this report, “countries in crisis” refers to 40 countries with an active Crisis Response Plan (CRP) or Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) listed by IOM and/or UN OCHA as of December 2024.   

    Click here to access the Missing Migrants Project 2024 annual report.  

    The analysis in this press release is based on data available as of 1 March 2025. For the latest figures, click here.   

    IOM’s Missing Migrants Project is currently maintained with financial support of the governments of Switzerland, Norway, Denmark and the European Union. The preparation of this year’s report was co-funded through IOM’s Flexible Funding Mechanism (FFM), enabling the use of data and evidence to save lives and protect people affected by humanitarian crises. IOM appreciates the generous unearmarked and softly earmarked voluntary contributions from our donors to the Flexible Funding Mechanism, which made this initiative possible.  

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre  

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “I hope that I will be able to initiate new research at the Higher School of Economics”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © TASS

    More than 10,000 scientific projects were supported by the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) in 2024. One of the recipients of the foundation’s grants is a scientist from Iran, HSE Associate Professor Ahmad Ostovari Moghaddam. Thanks to the support of the RSF and HSE, he decided to stay in Russia for a long time.

    A conference was held at TASS to sum up the results of the RSF’s work last year. In his greeting, RSF Director General Vladimir Bespalov recalled that the foundation carried out its activities in accordance with the presidential decree, which defined the strategic directions for the foundation’s development until 2030. The RSF development program includes activities in four priority areas: support for scientific research and the development of research teams that occupy leading positions in certain areas of science; support for projects to develop promising and priority science-intensive technologies in order to solve problems associated with major challenges for society, the state and science; support for young scientists and popularization of the achievements of Russian science.

    In 2024, the funding volume for 10 thousand projects implemented with the support of the Russian Science Foundation amounted to 39.2 billion rubles, 60 thousand performers from more than 800 organizations in 81 regions of the Russian Federation worked on them, including from the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Zaporizhia region. Based on the results of research supported by the Russian Science Foundation, more than 45 thousand reporting publications were published. A significant part of them were published in leading peer-reviewed Russian and foreign scientific journals.

    The projects not only contribute to the “development of science, but also have practical value, ensuring the creation of new industries,” Vladimir Bespalov noted. In 2024, 2.3 thousand new projects were supported. “It is very important that one and a half thousand managers received grants from the Science Foundation for the first time,” the speaker said. At the same time, in 2025, with the support of the Russian Academy of Sciences, “the post-grant life of the projects will be implemented,” he added. According to him, “the research teams implementing the projects supported by the foundation are centers of attraction for young people in science.” The majority of project implementers (42.7 thousand) are under 39 years of age (inclusive), including more than 9 thousand postgraduate students and more than 7 thousand students.

    Associate Professor of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Ahmad Ostovari Moghaddam, a scientist from Iran, noted that he submitted documents to begin research in Russia and in a number of European countries. “But of all the options that I had, it was work in Russia that seemed the most interesting and convenient. This concerned both the interesting topic for scientific work that was proposed at the Higher School of Economics and the advanced equipment that the university provided,” the scientist said. HSE gave him the opportunity to “form his own research teams.” “I have permanent young research associates who work with me, and I also have the opportunity to implement projects in my own laboratory at the Higher School of Economics,” he noted.

    It was thanks to the support of the Higher School of Economics and the Russian Science Foundation (the foundation awarded the scientist a grant twice) that Ahmad Ostowari Moghaddam decided to stay in Russia for a long time. The project that the scientist is currently implementing at the Higher School of Economics is related to the use of catalytic technologies. “I am also studying the reaction of oxygen reduction from carbon dioxide. My future goal is to increase the focus on practical research, to move away from the academic format. Although, of course, publishing articles and participating in scientific projects are extremely important, I would like my research to also benefit people, making their lives easier and more convenient. As one of the recipients of the Russian Science Foundation grant, I hope that I will be able to initiate new research at the Higher School of Economics,” he noted.

    The scientist recommends “all young researchers from foreign countries to join scientific work in Russia, to come and implement their projects here.”

    The press conference was also attended by Georgy Yakovlev, Assistant to the General Director of Svetlana-Rost (he spoke about the implementation of a new technology in the field of the full-cycle semiconductor industry) and Director of the Research Institute of Neurosciences of the Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, laureate of the Russian President’s Prize in Science and Innovation for Young Scientists Susanna Gordleeva. She emphasized that a very important mission of the RSF is to support young scientists. Speaking about her personal experience, Susanna Gordleeva noted that “she started with winning a small RSF grant”, and this year she was lucky enough to win an interdisciplinary RSF grant, where there was a competition of about 20 people per place. “We are trying to develop biologically plausible realistic mathematical models that we build on the basis of experimental data to explain the mechanisms of formation of cognitive functions, as well as the development of neurodegenerative diseases,” she said about her work. The obtained research results allow us to move “to the development of new promising artificial intelligence technologies that will be built on the principles of the brain’s functioning.”

    According to the Chair of the RSF Expert Council, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yulia Gorbunova, last year marked the tenth anniversary of the RSF’s existence and its work was cited as an example of the “gold standard”. “Of course, when we talk about finances, it is very important how we distribute them, to whom, for what work we give this money. And here, of course, the correct examination mechanism is very important, which is constantly being improved at the RSF,” she noted. In particular, according to her, the procedure for selecting experts is very thorough: their achievements, their scientific reputation are assessed, possible conflicts of interest are identified, etc.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The Government of France contributes EUR 1 million to WFP resilience projects in Afghanistan

    Source: World Food Programme

    KABUL – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan welcomes a contribution of EUR 1 million from the Government of France in flexible funding which has been programmed towards WFP’s resilience projects.

    For a period of six months, this funding will allow WFP to reach over 1,100 families with vocational trainings, support farmers in remote regions and create assets that help communities become more resilient to the impacts of the climate crisis. Additionally, when a family member participates in asset creation or vocational skills training, they receive food or a monthly allowance of AFN 6,400 (approximately US$90) for six months to help cover basic food needs. 

    “The climate crisis is destroying Afghanistan’s farms, homes, and hopes. With flash floods on top of years of drought, millions are left with no way to grow food or earn a living,” said H.E. Ms Céline Jurgensen, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in Rome. “Afghan communities need long-term solutions to be able to achieve economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.” 

    WFP’s vocational training programmes empower Afghan women by teaching them marketable skills. The programmes focus on tailoring, carpet weaving and food value chains such as jam making and food preservation. They serve as a vital source of livelihood and offer some of the few remaining safe spaces for Afghan women outside their homes.

    To help Afghan communities stand on their own feet, WFP supports them – especially women – with vocational trainings and the creation of climate-resilient infrastructure including building irrigation canals, dams and flood protection walls, which mitigate the impacts of extreme weather and boost farming productivity,” said Mutinta Chimuka, WFP Country Director a.i. in Afghanistan, “WFP thanks the Government of France for their support to the vulnerable communities of Afghanistan.”

    Last year, via resilience projects in Afghanistan, WFP reached over half a million people – nearly half of them being women and girls – by distributing 5,400 metric tons of food and nearly US$ 24 million in cash for food. This year, WFP plans to reach 50,000 families (350,000 people) through resilience projects, covering 61 districts across 30 provinces of Afghanistan. 

    The Government of France has proven to be a steadfast partner in supporting WFP operations in Afghanistan, contributing approximately EUR 50 million from 2021 to 2024. 

    #                    #                       #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Twitter: @wfp_media @WFP_Afghanistan

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: HPV health poster design competition launched for WHO Immunisation Week

    Source: City of Salford

    • Salford launches design a HPV vaccination poster competition for young people to support WHO Immunisation Week.
    • The HPV vaccine plays an important role in preventing cervical cancer, as almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV.
    • The poster design competition is free to enter and open to all young people aged 11 to 16 who live in Salford or attend a Salford school. 

    In a strong pledge of global public health initiatives, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Immunisation Week campaign, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,” highlights the vital impact of vaccines in saving lives. 

    WHO recommends that at least 95% of children should be immunised against vaccine-preventable diseases targeted for elimination or control, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, measles, mumps, and rubella.

    Following this campaign, Salford City Council Health Protection team are working with a group of young people from across the city to take part in an exciting creative health competition to design a poster promoting the HPV vaccination in schools.

    Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a very common group of viruses. Teenage boys and girl are offered the HPV vaccination at high school, in year 8.  The HPV vaccine plays an important role in preventing cervical cancer, as almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV.

    This competition aims to improve health literacy among secondary school pupils in Year 8. By involving students, we can empower them to become champions for the HPV vaccine and own the importance of protecting their health and the health of others.

    Cllr John Merry, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Adult Services, Health, and Wellbeing, said: “I’m genuinely excited to see creative approaches to health, like the HPV poster competition. I encourage all children to get involved and hope more Salford high schools join our HPV School’s Education Programme.

    We have already seen excellent outcomes with flu vaccination for children aged 2 to 3 in Swinton, Pendlebury, Walkden and Little Hulton Primary Care Networks (PCN). In addition, the Salford University GP service organised vaccination catch-up clinics for students and staff, ensuring our university community remains well-protected.

    The more Salford’s public health colleagues, service providers, and key stakeholders work together to boost the immunisation rates, the greater the opportunity to reduce health inequalities and protect the whole community.”

    Councillor Arnold Saunders, Vice Chair of the Community and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel, also shared: “While immunisation rates in Salford have declined since 2013, it’s encouraging to note that vaccination rates in children aged five have increased for the first time in over a decade.

    Offers of local health events and clinics in Broughton community settings, including evening and weekend sessions have increased, and means more people can now access services at the right time and right place.

    Broughton is a diverse community so programmes that educate residents and service providers about vaccinations and other health priorities are vital to encouraging higher vaccine uptake and better community health for all.”

    The HPV health poster design competition is free to enter and open to all young people aged 11 to 16 who live in Salford or attend a Salford school. 

    For information on how to enter, the prizes, and terms and conditions, visit www.salford.gov.uk/hpvposterdesign

    Submissions open on 25 April 25 and close on 16 June 2025.

    Salford City Council is committed to creating a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all. To achieve this vision, it has set out seven interconnected priorities as the focus for our work from 2024 to 2028.

    • Good growth
    • A good home for all
    • Tackling poverty and inequality
    • Creating places where people want to live
    • A child friendly city
    • Responding to climate change
    • Healthy lives and quality of care for all.

    Find out more about our ambitions and how we intend to deliver them in our corporate plan, This is our Salford, at www.salford.gov.uk/this-is-our-salford. The plan builds on past successes and continues to find new and innovative ways to improve residents’ lives.

    Salford continues its remarkable story of transformation with already much to celebrate as a city – more well-paid jobs, new affordable and social homes, thriving local schools, award-winning green spaces, iconic infrastructure, cleaner transport, more integrated health and care and a vibrant cultural scene. 

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    Date published
    Tuesday 29 April 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Perth Museum shortlisted for Museum of the Year

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Art Fund, the national charity for museums and galleries, annually shortlists five outstanding museums for Museum of the Year.

    The 2025 prize recognises inspiring projects and activity from autumn 2023 through to winter 2024. In addition to looking at the overall achievements of the organisation, the judges are tasked with identifying impactful projects that spotlight the wide range of remarkable people, including museum staff and volunteers, who bring museums to life by engaging with communities, families and younger visitors, artists and creatives.

    Helen Smout, Chief Executive Officer of Culture Perth and Kinross said: “We are thrilled to be in the running as Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, and honoured to be the only Scottish museum on the shortlist.

    “This nomination belongs to the people of Perth and Kinross, Scotland, and all our staff, volunteers, supporters, and contributors who have helped make Perth Museum a very special place since we opened just over a year ago. We are changing perspectives on what a small, regional museum can achieve. Regardless of who takes home the grand prize, we already feel like winners. Good luck to all of our fellow shortlistees.”

    Perth Museum, home of the Stone of Destiny, opened in March 2024 following a £27 million development at the former Perth City Hall, telling the story of over 10,000 years of Scottish and world history through a local lens.

    Alongside the stone, the Museum displays Perth & Kinross’s Recognised Collections of National Significance as well as iconic loans and exhibitions. Perth Museum has welcomed over 250,000 visitors since opening, exceeding its annual visitor target of 167,000 by 50%.

    Councillor Grant Laing, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, added: “Perth Museum has been a wonderful addition to the city and this nomination is extremely well-deserved.  I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make Perth Museum such a success and am delighted their efforts have been recognised by Art Fund.

    “Perth Museum brings our history to life in new and innovative ways with The Stone of Destiny at its heart, and this is complemented by fantastic and thought-provoking temporary exhibitions such as the new Macbeth exhibition which opened last week.

    “It has been a huge hit with visitors, attracting more than quarter of a million visitors since it opened, and I am sure it will only go from strength-to-strength going forward.”

    The four other shortlisted museums are Beamish, The Living Museum of the North (County Durham); Chapter (Cardiff); Compton Verney (Warwickshire); and Golden Thread Gallery (Belfast).

    The winning museum, recipient of £120,000, will be announced on 26 June at a ceremony at the Museum of Liverpool, the first time the event will be held outside London. £15,000 will be given to each of the four other finalists – bringing the total prize money to £180,000.

    The 2025 judging panel, chaired by Art Fund director Jenny Waldman, includes: Rana Begum (Artist), Dr David Dibosa (Director of Research and Interpretation, Tate), Jane Richardson (Chief Executive, Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales) and Phil Wang (Comedian, Writer, Actor). The judges will visit each of the finalists to inform their decision-making, while each museum will make the most of being shortlisted over the summer through events and activities for new and current visitors.

    Art Fund director Jenny Waldman said: “Congratulations to Perth Museum on being shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025. This year’s finalists are inspiring examples of museums at their best – deeply connected to their local communities, responsive to the world around them, and alive with energy and ideas. Each one offers a distinctive experience, showing the endless creativity and care that goes into making museums inspiring and exciting spaces for everyone. Art Fund is proud to celebrate their work and support their ambition through Art Fund Museum of the Year. We hope people across the UK will be inspired to visit these remarkable places and museums in their local area to discover the powerful role they can play in our lives.”

    The prize is funded thanks to the generosity of Art Fund’s members who buy a National Art Pass. During the shortlist celebration period (29 April to 26 June), Art Pass holders can enjoy free entry to the new Macbeth exhibition at Perth Museum, and 50% off all paid exhibitions at Perth Museum and Perth Art Gallery year-round.

    Macbeth: An Exhibition, 25 April – 31 August 2025, invites visitors to explore the real medieval King Macbeth, and the Shakespearean play that made him a household name. From Birnam Wood and Dunsinane Hill, to the Stone of Destiny used to crown the Kings of Scotland, the story of Macbeth is embedded in Perthshire. 

    Visitors can get up close to a never-before-displayed 11th century sword from the time of the real King Macbeth, a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, and first editions of the key historical texts that inspired the play. Cinema fans will also be in for a treat with costumes worn by Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard in the 2015 film Macbeth on display for the first time. From medieval royalty, to court intrigue, to witchcraft trials, to popular culture, this exhibition examines the enduring influence of Macbeth across the centuries.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Adventures of Foreigners in Russia. How a Telegram Channel Helps Foreign Students

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Life is in full swing at the Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University: the university was recently visited by an unusual guest — Arina Rylova, a representative of the popular Telegram channel “Adventures of Foreigners in Russia.” The meeting within the university walls turned into a real brainstorming session: activists of student organizations supervising the adaptation of foreign guests shared their experiences, and the guest shared success stories and plans for the future.

    Imagine: a student from Nigeria comes to Russia, gets lost in a pile of documents, doesn’t know where to run. We become his guides, — the channel’s representative begins the presentation. The project, which has united tens of thousands of subscribers, works as a multilingual bridge between foreigners and Russian bureaucracy. Through a bot integrated with the Ministry of Digital Development, the guys quickly resolve migration issues. The channel publishes life hacks in five languages (Chinese, English, French, Arabic, Spanish): how to open an account, extend a visa or find a doctor.

    But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The channel is also a social lift.

    “Last year, our activists visited the SPIEF and the Russia-Africa forum,” the speaker says proudly. “The guys were able to communicate with the leaders of their countries.”

    The faces of the channel’s heroes flash across the screen. Here is Ibrahim from Algeria. He entered, learned Russian so well that he received citizenship, and now he runs a blog for his fellow countrymen. Next to him is a smiling student from Africa, whose blog about life in Russia was noticed by Yandex and invited to work.

    We don’t just provide information – we open doors, the speaker emphasizes.

    In response, Polytechnic student leaders are demonstrating their ecosystem of support. PolyUnion is a whole world.

    Adapters and tutors meet newcomers at the airport with signs in their native language, help with documents, and even teach them how to pay for the metro. The Council of Associations from 20 countries organizes Nowruz, Chinese New Year, and excursions around St. Petersburg and other Russian cities. The guys act as a link between students and the university administration. The Women’s Club creates a safe space for female students: from culinary master classes to career advice. The UN Model turns classrooms into diplomatic arenas, where foreigners hone their Russian in heated debates.

    Polytechnic University foreign students try to take part in activities outside our university: Our volunteer group recently visited Rzhevka, where we spent time walking dogs from a local shelter. For many students who left their pets at home, this trip was special – they happily interacted with animals, played with cats and shared warmth with those who need it, – shared one of the PolyUnion leaders and the ideological inspirer of the “Women’s Club” Alexandra Le Gall.

    PolyUnion actively participates in organizing humanitarian aid for countries that have found themselves in difficult situations. For example, in previous years, they collected aid for Syria and Turkey, and now they are holding an action for Myanmar. Collection points are open in the main building of the university, the Interclub and the dormitory: you can bring clothes, medicines, long-term storage products and other necessary things there. Everything collected through the embassy will be sent to Myanmar to support people affected by the crisis.

    Olesya Stepanova, Head of the Special Projects Department of the Polytechnic University’s USO, spoke about joint projects with foreign students, including the development of instruction cards for applicants from abroad who want to study at SPbPU. The meeting culminated in joint plans. The first candidates from the Polytechnic University will take part in the Summer International Gathering of the channel, which will become a platform for training bloggers.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Award winners impress with dedication and resilience

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi is the 2024 Young Canberran Citizen of the Year.


    In brief:

    • The 2024 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award recipients have been announced.
    • The Awards celebrate Canberrans aged 12 to 25 who have made a significant contribution to the community.
    • There are seven categories in this year’s Awards.

    A young African-Australian community leader has won the 2024 Young Canberran Citizen of the Year Award.

    Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi is an Executive Youth Leader at the African Australian Council ACT. She uses her lived experience to be a role model for young people.

    In 2019, Ms Rabi emigrated from South Sudan, aged 15. She had lost both her parents at a young age.

    Today she encourages celebrating African culture in Canberra. She promotes social cohesion and engagement in the broader community.

    Her advocacy promotes inclusivity. It also fosters a greater understanding of the experiences and contributions of African Australians.

    Winners and commendations

    The Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate Canberrans aged 12 to 25 who have made a significant contribution to the ACT community.

    The awards celebrate young people for achievements in fields such as sport, education, science, culture, the arts and the environment.

    There were seven categories in this year’s Awards.

    Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award

    Winner: Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi

    Ms Rabi is an Executive Youth Leader at the African Australian Council ACT. She is a powerful advocate for African-Australian youth. She celebrates African culture and promotes social cohesion, helping to reduce isolation and the impact of racial abuse, while encouraging broader community engagement.

    Commendation: Ms Tahalianna Mahanga

    Young Achiever Award

    Winner: Mr Seth Burr

    Seth Burr is a Leadership group member at his school. He is also a mentor for younger students and a member of ACT Scouts. He participates in ANZAC Day marches, Gang Shows, peer monitoring, school musicals and fundraising events. 

    Commendation: Ms Emma Booth

    Personal Achievement Award

    Winner: Miss Jasmine Eldridge

    Jasmine Eldridge, a single mother, has overcome many personal challenges. She has gained a diploma in Educational Studies. Through lived experience she advocates for young people with disabilities.

    Commendation: Ms Jemma Rule

    Individual Community Service Award 

    Winner: Mx Madison (Casey) Barancewicz

    Mx Barancewicz is actively involved in Youth Advocacy Groups, projects. These include the ACT Youth Advisory Council, Disability Youth Reference Group, Unruly Girls Youth Ethics Advisory Group, Member and The ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance, the Youth Mental Health Youth Reference Group (YRG). 

    Commendation: Miss Sonali Varma

    Environment and Sustainability Award

    Winner: Ms Anjali Sharma

    Ms Sharma is a climate activist. She introduced a Bill with Senator David Pocock, called the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill. She did this to compel the Federal Government to take the health of young people into consideration when approving developments that may release greenhouse gases.

    Commendation: Ms Yuna Rougeaux

    Commendation: Ms Neve Larsen

    Arts and Multimedia Award 

    Winner: Ms Tahalianna Mahanga

    Ms Mahanga is a proud young Wiradjuri and Tongan woman. She performs as a solo vocalist. She is also a youth advocate, including the ACT Student Representative at the National School Reform Agreement Ministerial Reference Group. She was involved with The Mindyigari Centre for Excellence at Erindale College and the Gugan Gulwan Youth Association.

    Commendation: Ms Grace Flanagan

    Group Achievement Award

    Winner: St Mary MacKillop College

    The Year 12 cohort at St Mary MacKillop College designed the ‘Relay Your Way’ event. This local community initiative celebrates cancer survivorship, honours those we’ve lost, and spurs on the fight against cancer. They raised over $75,000 for the Relay for Life this year, the highest fundraising total for Relay for Life across Australia.

    Commendation: ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance Youth Reference Group

    Nomination and assessment

    Anyone can nominate a young person for an award. People can also self-nominate.

    The nominations are assessed by representatives from the:

    • ACT Youth Advisory Council
    • ACT Government
    • award category sponsor.

    View past award winners.

    Find out more about the Awards.

    Read more like this:


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    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Outlaw cybergang attacking targets worldwide

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: Outlaw cybergang attacking targets worldwide

    Introduction

    In a recent incident response case in Brazil, we dealt with a relatively simple, yet very effective threat focused on Linux environments. Outlaw (also known as “Dota”) is a Perl-based crypto mining botnet that typically takes advantage of weak or default SSH credentials for its operations. Previous research ([1], [2]) described Outlaw samples obtained from honeypots. In this article, we provide details from a real incident contained by Kaspersky, as well as publicly available telemetry data about the countries and territories most frequently targeted by the threat actor. Finally, we provide TTPs and best practices that security practitioners can adopt to protect their infrastructures against this type of threat.

    Analysis

    We started the analysis by gathering relevant evidence from a compromised Linux system. We identified an odd authorized SSH key for a user called suporte (in a Portuguese-speaking environment, this is an account typically used for administrative tasks in the operating system). Such accounts are often configured to have the same username as the password, which is a bad practice, making it easy for the attackers to exploit them. The authorized key belonged to a remote Linux machine user called mdrfckr, a string found in Dota campaigns, which raised our suspicion.

    Suspicious authorized key

    After the initial SSH compromise, the threat actor downloads the first-stage script, tddwrt7s.sh, using utilities like wget or curl. This artifact is responsible for downloading the dota.tar.gz file from the attackers’ server. Below is the sequence of commands performed by the attacker to obtain and decompress this file, which is rather typical of them. It is interesting to note that the adversary uses both of the previously mentioned utilities to try to download the artifact, since the system may not have one or another.

    Chain of commands used by the attackers to download and decompress dota.tar.gz

    After the decompression, a hidden directory, named “.configrc5”, was created in the user’s home directory with the following structure:

    .configrc5 directory structure

    Interestingly enough, one of the first execution steps is checking if other known miners are present on the machine using the script a/init0. If any miners are found, the script tries to kill and block their execution. One reason for this is to avoid possible overuse of the RAM and CPU on the target machine.

    Routine for killing and blocking known miners

    The script also monitors running processes, identifies any that use 40% or more CPU by executing the command ps axf o “pid %cpu”, and for each such process, checks its command line (/proc/$procid/cmdline) for keywords like “kswapd0”, “tsm”, “rsync”, “tor”, “httpd”, “blitz”, or “mass” using the grep command. If none of these keywords are found ( grep doesn’t return zero), the process is forcefully killed with the kill 9 command; otherwise, the script prints “don’t kill”, effectively whitelisting Outlaw’s known or expected high-CPU processes, so it doesn’t accidentally kill them.

    Processes checks performed by the threat

    After the process checks and killing are done, the b/run file is executed, which is responsible for maintaining persistence on the infected machine and executing next-stage malware from its code. For persistence purposes, the attackers used the following command to wipe the existing SSH setup, create a clean .ssh folder, add a new public key for SSH access, and lock down permissions.

    The next-stage malware is a Base64-encoded string inside the b/run script that, once decoded, reveals another level of obfuscation: this time an obfuscated Perl script. Interestingly, the attackers left a comment generated by the obfuscator (perlobfuscator.com) in place.

    Obfuscated Perl script

    We were able to easily deobfuscate the code using an open-source script available on the same website as used by the attackers (https://perlobfuscator.com/decode-stunnix-5.17.1.pl), which led us to the original source code containing a few words in Portuguese.

    Deobfuscated Perl script

    This Perl script is an IRC-based botnet client that acts as a backdoor on a compromised system. Upon execution, it disguises itself as an rsync process, creates a copy of itself in the background, and ignores termination signals. By default, it connects to a hardcoded IRC server over port 443 using randomly generated nicknames, joining predefined channels to await commands from designated administrators. The bot supports a range of malicious features including command execution, DDoS attacks, port scans, file download, and upload via HTTP. This provides the attackers with a wide range of capabilities to command and control the botnet.

    XMRig miner

    Another file from the hidden directory, a/kswapd0, is an ELF packed using UPX, as shown in the image below. We were able to easily unpack the binary for analysis.

    kswapd0 identification and unpacking

    By querying the hash on threat intelligence portals and by statically analyzing the sample, it became clear that this binary is a malicious modified version of XMRig (6.19.0), a cryptocurrency miner.

    XMRig version

    We also found a configuration file embedded in the binary. This file contains the attacker’s mining information. In our scenario, the configuration was set up to mine Monero using the CPU only, with both OpenCL and CUDA (for GPU mining) disabled. The miner runs in the background, configured for high CPU usage. It also connects to multiple mining pools, including one accessible via Tor, which explains the presence of Tor files inside the .configrc5/a directory. The image below shows an excerpt from this configuration file.

    XMRig custom configuration

    Victims

    Through telemetry data collected from public feeds, we have identified victims of the Outlaw gang mainly in the United States, but also in Germany, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Canada and Brazil, as shown in the chart below.

    Countries and territories where Outlaw is most activedownload)

    The following chart shows the distribution of recent victims. We can see that the group was idle from December 2024 through February 2025, then a spike in the number of victims was observed in March 2025.

    Number of Outlaw victims by month, September 2024–March 2025 (download)

    Recommendations

    Since Outlaw exploits weak or default SSH passwords, we recommend that system administrators adopt a proactive approach to hardening their servers. This can be achieved through custom server configurations and by keeping services up to date. Even simple practices, such as using key-based authentication, can be highly effective. However, the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file allows for the use of several additional parameters to improve security. Some general configurations include:

    • Port : changes the default SSH port to reduce exposure to automated scans.
    • Protocol 2: enforces the use of the more secure protocol version.
    • PermitRootLogin no: disables direct login as the root user.
    • MaxAuthTries : limits the number of authentication attempts per session.
    • LoginGraceTime : defines the amount of time allowed to complete the login process (in seconds unless specified otherwise).
    • PasswordAuthentication no: disables password-based login.
    • PermitEmptyPasswords no: prevents login with empty passwords.
    • X11Forwarding no: disables X11 forwarding (used for running graphical applications remotely).
    • PermitUserEnvironment no: prevents users from passing environment variables.
    • Banner /etc/ssh/custom_banner: customizes the system login banner.

    Consider disabling unused authentication protocols:

    • ChallengeResponseAuthentication no
    • KerberosAuthentication no
    • GSSAPIAuthentication no

    Disable tunneling options to prevent misuse of the SSH tunnel feature:

    • AllowAgentForwarding no
    • AllowTcpForwarding no
    • PermitTunnel no

    You can limit SSH access to specific IPs or networks using the AllowUsers directive:

    • AllowUsers *@10.10.10.217
    • AllowUsers *@192.168.0.0/24

    Enable public key authentication with:

    • PubkeyAuthentication yes

    Set parameters to automatically disconnect idle sessions:

    • ClientAliveInterval
    • ClientAliveCountMax

    The following configuration file serves as a template for hardening the SSH service:

    While outside sshd_config, pairing your config with tools like Fail2Ban or firewalld rate limiting adds another solid layer of protection against brute force.

    Conclusion

    By focusing on weak or default SSH credentials, Outlaw keeps improving and broadening its Linux-focused toolkit. The group uses a range of evasion strategies, such as concealing files and folders or obfuscated programs, and uses compromised SSH keys to keep access for as long as possible. The IRC-based botnet client facilitates a wide range of harmful operations, such as command execution, flooding, and scanning, while the deployment of customized XMRig miners can divert processing resources to cryptocurrency mining. By hardening SSH configurations (for instance, turning off password authentication), keeping an eye out for questionable processes, and limiting SSH access to trustworthy users and networks, system administrators can greatly lessen this hazard.

    Tactics, techniques and procedures

    Below are the Outlaw TTPs identified from our malware analysis.

    Tactic Technique ID
    Execution Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell T1059.004
    Persistence Scheduled Task/Job: Cron T1053.003
    Persistence Account Manipulation: SSH Authorized Keys T1098.004
    Defense Evasion Obfuscated Files or Information T1027
    Defense Evasion Indicator Removal: File Deletion T1070.004
    Defense Evasion File and Directory Permissions Modification T1222
    Defense Evasion Hide Artifacts: Hidden Files and Directories T1564.001
    Defense Evasion Obfuscated Files or Information: Software Packing T1027.002
    Credential Access Brute Force T1110
    Discovery System Information Discovery T1082
    Discovery Process Discovery T1057
    Discovery Account Discovery T1087
    Discovery System Owner/User Discovery T1033
    Discovery System Network Connections Discovery T1049
    Lateral Movement Remote Services: SSH T1021.004
    Collection Data from Local System T1005
    Command and Control Application Layer Protocol T1071
    Command and Control Ingress Tool Transfer T1105
    Exfiltration Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol T1048
    Impact Resource Hijacking T1496
    Impact Service Stop T1489

    Indicators of Compromise

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Ideas for Cities: The Results of the Urban Development Technologies Hackathon

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The hackathon “Urban Development Technologies” has ended at the State University of Management. It was held for the fourth time as part of the V All-Russian Interuniversity Forum “The Art of Management: Science, Practice, Project Technologies”.

    The competition was attended by 80 students from GUU, RUT (MIIT), RGUTIS, RTU MIREA, RUDN, SFedU, SPbGASU of various fields of study as participants and team facilitators.

    The organizing committee included representatives of the Department of Acceleration Programs and Project-Based Learning of the State University of Management: Irina Milkina, Evgeny Titov, Anastasia Lobacheva, Ekaterina Illarionova, Irina Denisova, Danila Smirnov.

    The goal of the hackathon was to solve management problems for the development of students’ professional competencies in the field of creating a comfortable urban environment, developing urban infrastructure and logistics, improving the ecological environment, supporting social entrepreneurship, and involving young people in urban projects.

    The business partners of the competition were the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Analytical Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation”, the Scientific Research Center for Municipal Economics, Sber, Vitra Russia, Roskachestvo and Beyond Taylor, VYSOTA-SERVIS Group of Companies, the State Budgetary Institution “Leisure and Sports Center of TiNAO”, the Museum of Urban Economy of Moscow, the Basmanny District Museum – Basmania and others.

    The special feature of the hackathon “Urban Development Technologies” is the original approach to the formation of multi-competence inter-university teams with skills in a variety of areas and directions from information technology to public relations. The guys not only worked on real problem cases from partners, but also participated in an educational master class on team building, during which they got to know each other, formed and presented their teams.

    The participants also had a dialogue with the competition’s business partners, both in person and online, and visited the Moscow Museum of Urban Economy, where they were impressed by the visualization of the processes of providing housing and communal services to the population and a full immersion in the topic.

    On the final day, the teams presented their projects to a panel of experts consisting of representatives of the event’s partners.

    The winner of the hackathon was the team “Infinite”, which worked on the case “Financial model for the maintenance of apartment buildings” from the Center for Municipal Economics, consisting of: Linda Yuliana (RUDN), Lozovsky Viktor (GUU), Baburina Alena (SFedU), Kuznetsov Vladimir (RUT (MIIT)), Kuleshov Ivan (RTU MIREA), Kudin Ivan (GUU), Paramonova Irina Ilyinichna (GUU), Rumeus Elizaveta (GUU).

    The 2nd degree diploma was awarded to the team “6 cadres”, which worked on the case from the Basmanny District Museum – Basmania, consisting of: Ivan Gordeev (RUDN), Ilya Kopytin (RGUTIS), Alevtina Maryenko (GUU), Vladimir Komov (GUU), Ksenia Starikova (GUU), Alexandra Nenarokomova (GUU).

    2 teams that scored the same number of points from the expert jury received 3rd degree diplomas:

    team “WIN 777” (case from Vysota-Service Group of Companies) consisting of: Vasilina Shumskaya (RUDN University), Riad Gubatov (SUU), Anna Akinshina (SFU), Alexander Belov (RTU MIREA), Suzanna Aleksanyan (SUU), Elena Semikolenova (SUU), team “Desperate Innovators” (case from the Museum of Municipal Economy Moscow) consisting of: Anton Petrov (RTU MIREA), Pavel Polyakov (SUU), Valeria Kornienko (SFU), Egor Korostelev (RUDN University), Alexey Ilyin (SUU), Maxim Roenko (RUT (MIIT)), Yesayan Shogik (SUU).

    Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Dmitry Bryukhanov congratulated the winners of the hackathon and presented memorable prizes and gifts from our university and the event partners to all participants.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/29/2025

    Искусство управлять: наука,…” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/IMG_20250424_112943-scaled.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%bd%d0%be%d0%b2%d1%8b%d0%b5-%d0%b8%d0%b4%d0%b5%d0%b8-%d0%b4%d0%bb%d1%8f-%d0%b3%d0%be%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b4%d0%be%d0%b2-%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%b4%d0%b2%d0%b5%d0%b4%d0%b5%d0%bd%d1%8b-%d0%b8%d1%82%d0%be%d0%b3/”>

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets NBR delegation  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-04-28
    President Lai meets Japanese Diet Member and former Minister of State for Economic Security Takaichi Sanae
    On the afternoon of April 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Member of the Japanese House of Representatives and former Minister of State for Economic Security Takaichi Sanae. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government of Japan for repeatedly emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at important international venues. The president expressed hope that in the face of China’s continually expanding red supply chains, Taiwan and Japan can continue to cooperate closely in such fields as semiconductors, energy, and AI technology to create non-red supply chains that enhance economic resilience and industrial competitiveness for both sides, and jointly pave the way for further prosperity and growth in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Representative Takaichi as she returns for another visit to Taiwan. I am also very happy to have Members of the House of Representatives Kikawada Hitoshi and Ozaki Masanao, and Member of the House of Councillors Sato Kei all gathered together here to engage in these very important exchanges. Our visitors will be taking part in many exchange activities during this trip. Earlier today at the Indo-Pacific Strategy Thinktank’s International Political and Economic Forum, Representative Takaichi delivered a speech in which she clearly demonstrated the great importance she places upon the friendship between Taiwan and Japan. For this I want to express my deepest appreciation to each of our guests. The peoples of Taiwan and Japan have a deep friendship and mutual trust. We have a shared commitment to the universal values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights, but beyond that, we both have striven to contribute to regional peace and stability. I also want to thank the government of Japan for repeatedly emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at important international venues. Tomorrow you will all make a trip to Kaohsiung to visit a bronze statue of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, who once said, “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” We will always remember the firm support and friendship he showed Taiwan. Since taking office last year, I have worked hard to improve Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience and implement our Four Pillars of Peace action plan. By strengthening our national defense capabilities, building up economic security, demonstrating stable and principled cross-strait leadership, and deepening partnerships with democratic countries including Japan, we can together maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and across the Taiwan Strait. At the same time, in the face of China’s continually expanding red supply chains, we hope that Taiwan and Japan, as important economic and trade partners, can continue to cooperate closely in such fields as semiconductors, energy, and AI technology to create non-red supply chains that further enhance economic resilience and industrial competitiveness for both sides. Going forward, Taiwan will work hard to play an important role in the international community and contribute its key strengths. I hope that, with the support of our guests, Taiwan can soon accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and sign an economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Japan so that we can jointly pave the way for further prosperity and growth in the Indo-Pacific region. Lastly, I thank each of you once again for taking concrete action to support Taiwan. I am confident that your visit will help deepen Taiwan-Japan ties and create even greater opportunities for cooperation. Let us all strive together to keep propelling Taiwan-Japan relations forward.  Representative Takaichi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai and Taiwanese political leaders for the warm hospitality they extended to the delegation, and mentioning that the visiting delegation members are all like-minded partners carrying on the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe. July 8 this year will mark the third anniversary of the passing of former Prime Minister Abe, she said, and when the former prime minister unfortunately passed away, President Lai, then serving as vice president, was among the first to come offer condolences, for which she expressed sincere admiration and gratitude. Representative Takaichi stated that Taiwan and Japan are island nations that face the same circumstances and problems, and that Japan’s trade activities rely heavily on ocean transport, so once a problem arises nearby that threatens maritime shipping lanes, it will be a matter of life and death for Japan. Taiwan and Japan are similar, as once a problem arises, both will face food and energy security issues, and supply chains may even be threatened, she said. Regarding Taiwan-Japan cooperation, Representative Takaichi stated that both sides must first protect and strengthen supply chain resilience. President Lai has previously said that he wants to turn Taiwan into an AI island, she said, and in semiconductors, Taiwan has the world’s leading technology. Representative Takaichi went on to say that Taiwan and Japan can collaborate in the fields of AI and semiconductors, quantum computing, and dual-use industries, as well as in areas such as drones and new energy technologies to build more resilient supply chains, so that if problems arise, we can maintain our current standard of living with peace of mind. Representative Takaichi indicated that cooperation in the defense sector is also crucial, and that by uniting like-minded countries including Taiwan, the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia, and even countries in Europe, we can build a stronger network to jointly maintain our security guarantees. Representative Takaichi expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will continue to strengthen substantive non-governmental relations, including personnel exchange visits and information sharing, so that we can jointly face and respond to crises when they arise. Regarding the hope to sign a Taiwan-Japan EPA that President Lai had mentioned earlier, she also expressed support and said she looks forward to upcoming exchanges and talks. The visiting delegation also included Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-04-23
    President Lai delivers remarks at International Holocaust Remembrance Day event
    On the afternoon of April 23, President Lai Ching-te attended an International Holocaust Remembrance Day event and delivered remarks, in which he emphasized that peace is priceless, and war has no winners, while morality, democracy, and respect for human rights are powerful forces against violence and tyranny. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to expand cooperation with democratic partners and safeguard regional and global peace and stability, defending democracy, freedom, and human rights. He said we must never forget history, and must overcome our differences and join in solidarity to ensure that the next generations live in a world that is more just and more peaceful. Upon arriving at the event, President Lai heard a testimony from the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, followed by a rabbi’s recitation of the prayer “El Maleh Rachamim.” He then joined other distinguished guests in lighting candles in memory of the victims. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: To begin, I want to thank the Israel Economic and Cultural Office (ISECO) in Taipei, German Institute Taipei, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for co-organizing this deeply significant memorial ceremony again this year. I also want to thank everyone for attending. We are here today to remember the victims of the Holocaust, express sympathy for the survivors, honor the brave individuals who protected the victims, and acknowledge all who were impacted by this atrocity. It was deeply moving to hear Ms. [Orly] Sela share the story of how her grandmother, Yehudit Biksz, escaped the Nazi regime. I want to thank her specially for traveling so far to attend this event. From the 1930s through World War II, the Nazi regime sought to exclude Jewish people from society. In their campaign, they perpetrated systematic genocide driven by their ideology. Policies and directives under the authoritarian Nazi regime resulted in the deaths of approximately 6 million Jews. Millions of others were persecuted, including Romani people, persons with disabilities, the gay community, and anyone who disagreed with Nazi ideology. It is one of the darkest chapters in human history. Many countries, including Taiwan, have enacted anti-massacre legislation, and observe a remembrance day each year. Those occasions help us remember the victims, preserve historical memory, and most importantly, reinforce our resolve to fight against hatred and discrimination. Twenty-three years ago, Chelujan (車路墘) Church in Tainan founded the Taiwan Holocaust Memorial Museum. It is the first Jewish museum in Taiwan, and the second Holocaust museum in Asia. Its founding mission urges us to forget hatred and love one another; put an end to war and advocate peace. Many of the exhibition items come from Jewish people, connecting Taiwan closer with Israel and helping Taiwanese better understand the experiences of Jewish people. In this way, we grow to more deeply cherish peace. When I was mayor of Tainan, I took part in an exhibition event at Chelujan Church. I was also invited by the Israeli government to join the International Mayors Conference in Israel, where I visited the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. I will never forget how deeply that experience moved me, and as a result, peace and human rights became even more important issues for me. These issues are valued by Taiwan and our friends and allies. They are also important links connecting Taiwan with the world. Peace is priceless, and war has no winners. We will continue to expand cooperation with democratic partners and safeguard regional and global peace and stability. We will also continue to make greater contributions and work with the international community to defend democracy, freedom, and human rights. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. However, we still see wars raging around the world. We see a resurgence of authoritarian powers, which could severely impact global democracy, peace, and prosperous development. Today’s event allows for more than reflection on the past; it also serves as a warning for the future. We are reminded of the threats that hatred, prejudice, and extremism pose to humanity. But we are also reminded that morality, democracy, and respect for human rights are powerful forces against violence and tyranny. We must never forget history. We must overcome our differences and join in solidarity for a better future. Let’s work together to ensure that the next generations live in a world that is more just and more peaceful. Also in attendance at the event were Member of the Israeli Knesset (parliament) and Taiwan friendship group Chair Boaz Toporovsky, ISECO Representative Maya Yaron, and German Institute Taipei Deputy Director General Andreas Hofem.

    Details
    2025-04-23
    President Lai pays respects to Pope Francis  
    On the morning of April 23, President Lai Ching-te visited the Taipei Archdiocesan Curia to pay respects in a memorial ceremony for His Holiness Pope Francis. As officiant of the ceremony, President Lai burned incense and presented flowers, fruits, and wine to pay his respects to Pope Francis. At the direction of the master of ceremonies, the president then bowed three times in front of Pope Francis’s memorial portrait, conveying his grief and deep respect for the late pope. After hearing of Pope Francis’s passing on April 21, President Lai promptly requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express sincere condolences from the people and government of Taiwan to the Vatican. The president also instructed Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) to convey condolences to the Holy See’s Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan.  

    Details
    2025-04-23
    President Lai meets US CNAS NextGen fellows
    On the morning of April 23, President Lai Ching-te met with fellows from the Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Program (NextGen) run by the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). In remarks, President Lai thanked the government of the United States for continuing its arms sales to Taiwan over the years, supporting Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its national defense capabilities and jointly maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The president pointed out that we will promote our “Taiwan plus one” policy, that is, new arrangements for Taiwan plus the US, and form a “Taiwan investment in the US team” to expand investment and bring about even closer Taiwan-US trade cooperation, allowing us to reduce the trade deficit and generate development that benefits both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Ms. Michèle Flournoy, chair of the CNAS Board of Directors, is a good friend of Taiwan, and she has made major contributions to Taiwan-US relations through her long-time efforts on various aspects of our cooperation. I am happy to welcome Chair Flournoy, who is once again leading a NextGen Fellowship delegation to Taiwan. CNAS is a prominent think tank focusing on US national security and defense policy based in Washington, DC. Its NextGen Fellowship has fostered talented individuals in the fields of national security and foreign affairs. This year’s delegation is significantly larger than those of the past, demonstrating the increased importance that the next generation of US leaders attach to Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome to you all. The Taiwan Strait, an issue of importance for our guests, has become a global issue. There is a high degree of international consensus that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable elements in global security and prosperity. Facing military threats from China, Taiwan proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we are actively implementing military reforms, enhancing whole-of-society defense resilience, and working to increase our defense budget to more than 3 percent of GDP. Second, we are strengthening our economic resilience. As Taiwan’s economy must keep advancing, we can no longer put all our eggs in one basket. We are taking action to remain firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding our global presence and marketing worldwide. In these efforts, we are already seeing results. Third, we are standing side-by-side with other democratic countries to demonstrate the strength of deterrence and achieve our goal of peace through strength. And fourth, Taiwan is willing, under the principles of parity and dignity, to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China towards achieving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This April 10 marked the 46th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act. We thank the US government for continuing its arms sales to Taiwan over the years, supporting Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its national defense capabilities and jointly maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. We look forward to Taiwan and the US continuing to strengthen collaboration on the development of both our defense industries as well as the building of non-red supply chains. This will yield even more results and further deepen our economic and trade partnership. The US is now the main destination for outbound investment from Taiwan. Moving forward, we will promote our “Taiwan plus one” policy, that is, new arrangements for Taiwan plus the US. And our government will form a “Taiwan investment in the US team” to expand investment. We hope this will bring Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation even closer and, through mutually beneficial assistance, allow us to generate development that benefits both our sides while reducing our trade deficit. In closing, thank you once again for visiting Taiwan. We hope your trip is fruitful and leaves you with a deep impression of Taiwan. We also hope that going forward you continue supporting Taiwan and advancing even greater development for Taiwan-US ties.  Chair Flournoy then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for making time to receive their delegation. Referring to President Lai’s earlier remarks, she said that it is quite an impressive group, as past members of this program have gone on to become members of the US Congress, leading government experts, and leaders in the think-tank world and in the private sector. She remarked that investing in this group is a wonderful privilege for her and that they appreciate President Lai’s agreeing to take the time to engage in exchange with them. Chair Flournoy emphasized that they are visiting Taiwan at a critical moment, when there is so much change and volatility in the geostrategic environment, a lot of uncertainty, and a lot of unpredictability. She stated that given our shared values, our shared passion for democracy and human rights, and our shared interests in peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, this is an important time for dialogue, collaboration, and looking for additional opportunities where we can work together towards regional peace and stability.

    Details
    2025-04-18
    President Lai meets US delegation from Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific
    On the afternoon of April 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Senator Pete Ricketts, chairman of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy. In remarks, President Lai said we hope to promote our Taiwan plus one policy, that is, new industrial arrangements for Taiwan plus the US, to leverage the strengths of both sides and reinforce our links in such areas as the economy, trade, and technological innovation. The president said that by deepening cooperation, Taiwan and the US will be better positioned to work together on building non-red supply chains. He said a more secure and sustainable economic and trade partnership will allow us to address the challenges posed by geopolitics, climate change, and the restructuring of global supply chains. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome you all to Taiwan. I want to take this opportunity to especially thank Chairman Pete Ricketts and Ranking Member Chris Coons for their high regard and support for Taiwan. Chairman Ricketts has elected to visit Taiwan on his first overseas trip since taking up his new position in January. Ranking Member Coons made a dedicated trip to Taiwan in 2021 to announce a donation of COVID-19 vaccines on behalf of the US government. He also visited last May, soon after my inauguration, continuing to deepen Taiwan-US exchanges. Thanks to support from Chairman Ricketts and Ranking Member Coons, the US Congress has continued to introduce many concrete initiatives and resources to assist Taiwan through the National Defense Authorization Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, bringing the Taiwan-US partnership even closer. For this, I want to again express my gratitude. There has long been bipartisan support in the US Congress for maintaining security in the Taiwan Strait. Faced with China’s persistent political and military intimidation, Taiwan will endeavor to reform national defense and enhance whole-of-society defense resilience. We will also make special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP, up from the current 2.5 percent, so as to enhance Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. We look forward to Taiwan and the US continuing to work together to maintain peace and stability in the region. We will also promote our Taiwan plus one policy, that is, new industrial arrangements for Taiwan plus the US. We hope to leverage the strengths of both sides and reinforce our links in such areas as the economy, trade, and technological innovation, jointly promoting prosperity and development. We believe that by deepening cooperation through the Taiwan plus one policy, Taiwan and the US will be better positioned to work together on building non-red supply chains. A more secure and sustainable economic and trade partnership will allow us to address the challenges posed by geopolitics, climate change, and the restructuring of global supply chains. In closing, I wish Chairman Ricketts and Ranking Member Coons a smooth and successful visit. Chairman Ricketts then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his hospitality. He said that he and his delegation have had a wonderful time meeting with government officials, industry representatives, and the team at the American Institute in Taiwan. Highlighting that Taiwan has long been a friend and partner of the US, he said their bipartisan delegation to Taiwan emphasizes long-time bipartisan support in the US Congress for Taiwan, and though administrations change, that bipartisan support remains. Chairman Ricketts stated that the US is committed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and that they want to see peace across the Taiwan Strait. He also stated that the US opposes any unilateral change in the status of Taiwan and that they expect any differences between Taiwan and China to be resolved peacefully without coercion or the threat of force. To that end, he said, the US will continue to assist Taiwan in its self-defense and will also step up by bolstering its own defense capabilities, noting that there is broad consensus on this in the US Congress. Chairman Ricketts stated that they want to see Taiwan participate in international organizations and memberships where appropriate, and encourage Taiwan to reach out to current and past diplomatic allies to strengthen those bilateral relationships. He pointed out that the long economic relationship between the US and Taiwan is important for our as well as the entire world’s security and prosperity. He also noted that there are many opportunities for us to continue to grow the economic relationship that will help create more prosperity for our respective peoples and ensure that we are more secure in the world. Chairman Ricketts emphasized that they made this trip early on in the new US administration to work with Taiwan to develop three points: security, diplomatic relations, and the economy. He stated that in the face of rising aggression from communist China, the US will provide commensurate help to Taiwan in self-defense and that they will continue to provide the services and tools needed. In closing, Chairman Ricketts once again thanked President Lai for the hospitality and said he looks forward to dialogue on how we can continue these relationships. Ranking Member Coons then delivered remarks. Mentioning that their delegation also visited the Philippines on this trip, he said that there and in Taiwan, they have been focused on peace, stability, and security, and the ways for deepening and strengthening economic and security relations. He noted that 46 years ago, the US Senate passed the Taiwan Relations Act, adding that it was strongly bipartisan when enacted and that support for it is still strongly bipartisan today. Its core commitment, he said, is that the US will be engaged and will be a partner in ensuring that any dispute or challenge across the strait will be resolved peacefully, and that Taiwan will have the resources it needs for its self-defense. Ranking Member Coons said that between people, friendships are deepest and most enduring when they are based not just on interests but on values, and that the same is true between the US and Taiwan. Free press, free enterprise, free societies, democracy – these core shared values, he said, anchor our friendship and partnership, making them deeper. He remarked that they are grateful for the significant investment in the US being made by companies from Taiwan, but what anchors our partnership, in addition to these important investments and investments being made by Taiwan in its own security, are the values that mobilize our free-enterprise spirit and our commitment to free societies. In Europe in recent years, Ranking Member Coons said, an aggressive nation has tried to change boundaries and change history by force. He said that the US and dozens of countries committed to freedom have come to the aid of Ukraine to defend it, help it stabilize, and secure its future. So too in this region of the world, he added, the US and a bipartisan group in the US Senate are committed to stable, secure, peaceful relations and to deterring any unilateral effort to change the status quo by force. In closing, he said he is grateful for a chance to return to Taiwan after the pandemic and that he looks forward to our conversation, our partnership, and the important work we have in front of us. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

    Details
    2025-04-06
    President Lai delivers remarks on US tariff policy response
    On April 6, President Lai Ching-te delivered recorded remarks regarding the impact of the 32 percent tariff that the United States government recently imposed on imports from Taiwan in the name of reciprocity. In his remarks, President Lai explained that the government will adopt five response strategies, including making every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations, adopting a support plan for affected domestic industries, adopting medium- and long-term economic development plans, forming new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements, and launching industry listening tours. The president emphasized that as we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and expressed hope that all parties, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: My fellow citizens, good evening. The US government recently announced higher tariffs on countries around the world in the name of reciprocity, including imposing a 32 percent tariff on imports from Taiwan. This is bound to have a major impact on our nation. Various countries have already responded, and some have even adopted retaliatory measures. Tremendous changes in the global economy are expected. Taiwan is an export-led economy, and in facing future challenges there will inevitably be difficulties, so we must proceed carefully to turn danger into safety. During this time, I want to express gratitude to all sectors of society for providing valuable opinions, which the government regards highly, and will use as a reference to make policy decisions.  However, if we calmly and carefully analyze Taiwan’s trade with the US, we find that last year Taiwan’s exports to the US were valued at US$111.4 billion, accounting for 23.4 percent of total export value, with the other 75-plus percent of products sold worldwide to countries other than the US. Of products sold to the US, competitive ICT products and electronic components accounted for 65.4 percent. This shows that Taiwan’s economy does still have considerable resilience. As long as our response strategies are appropriate, and the public and private sectors join forces, we can reduce impacts. Please do not panic. To address the reciprocal tariffs by the US, Taiwan has no plans to adopt retaliatory tariffs. There will be no change in corporate investment commitments to the US, as long as they are consistent with national interests. But we must ensure the US clearly understands Taiwan’s contributions to US economic development. More importantly, we must actively seek to understand changes in the global economic situation, strengthen Taiwan-US industry cooperation, elevate the status of Taiwan industries in global supply chains, and with safeguarding the continued development of Taiwan’s economy as our goal, adopt the following five strategies to respond. Strategy one: Make every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations using the following five methods:  1. Taiwan has already formed a negotiation team led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君). The team includes members from the National Security Council, the Office of Trade Negotiations, and relevant Executive Yuan ministries and agencies, as well as academia and industry. Like the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, negotiations on tariffs can start from Taiwan-US bilateral zero-tariff treatment. 2. To expand purchases from the US and thereby reduce the trade deficit, the Executive Yuan has already completed an inventory regarding large-scale procurement plans for agricultural, industrial, petroleum, and natural gas products, and the Ministry of National Defense has also proposed a military procurement list. All procurement plans will be actively pursued. 3. Expand investments in the US. Taiwan’s cumulative investment in the US already exceeds US$100 billion, creating approximately 400,000 jobs. In the future, in addition to increased investment in the US by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, other industries such as electronics, ICT, petrochemicals, and natural gas can all increase their US investments, deepening Taiwan-US industry cooperation. Taiwan’s government has helped form a “Taiwan investment in the US” team, and hopes that the US will reciprocate by forming a “US investment in Taiwan” team to bring about closer Taiwan-US trade cooperation, jointly creating a future economic golden age.  4. We must eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade. Non-tariff barriers are an indicator by which the US assesses whether a trading partner is trading fairly with the US. Therefore, we will proactively resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers so that negotiations can proceed more smoothly. 5. We must resolve two issues that have been matters of longstanding concern to the US. One regards high-tech export controls, and the other regards illegal transshipment of dumped goods, otherwise referred to as “origin washing.” Strategy two: We must adopt a plan for supporting our industries. For industries that will be affected by the tariffs, and especially traditional industries as well as micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, we will provide timely and needed support and assistance. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and his administrative team recently announced a package of 20 specific measures designed to address nine areas. Moving forward, the support we provide to different industries will depend on how they are affected by the tariffs, will take into account the particular features of each industry, and will help each industry innovate, upgrade, and transform. Strategy three: We must adopt medium- and long-term economic development plans. At this point in time, our government must simultaneously adopt new strategies for economic and industrial development. This is also the fundamental path to solutions for future economic challenges. The government will proactively cooperate with friends and allies, develop a diverse range of markets, and achieve closer integration of entities in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of industrial supply chains. This course of action will make Taiwan’s industrial ecosystem more complete, and will help Taiwanese industries upgrade and transform. We must also make good use of the competitive advantages we possess in such areas as semiconductor manufacturing, integrated chip design, ICT, and smart manufacturing to build Taiwan into an AI island, and promote relevant applications for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, as well as military, security and surveillance, next-generation communications, and the medical and health and wellness industries as we advance toward a smarter, more sustainable, and more prosperous new Taiwan. Strategy four: “Taiwan plus one,” i.e., new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements: While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. This has been our national economic development strategy, and the most important aspect is maintaining a solid base here in Taiwan. We absolutely must maintain a solid footing, and cannot allow the present strife to cause us to waver. Therefore, our government will incentivize investments, carry out deregulation, and continue to improve Taiwan’s investment climate by actively resolving problems involving access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent. This will enable corporations to stay in Taiwan and continue investing here. In addition, we must also help the overseas manufacturing facilities of offshore Taiwanese businesses to make necessary adjustments to support our “Taiwan plus one” policy, in that our national economic development strategy will be adjusted as follows: to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding our global presence, strengthening US ties, and marketing worldwide. We intend to make use of the new state of supply chains to strengthen cooperation between Taiwanese and US industries, and gain further access to US markets. Strategy five: Launch industry listening tours: All industrial firms, regardless of sector or size, will be affected to some degree once the US reciprocal tariffs go into effect. The administrative teams led by myself and Premier Cho will hear out industry concerns so that we can quickly resolve problems and make sure policies meet actual needs. My fellow citizens, over the past half-century and more, Taiwan has been through two energy crises, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, and pandemics. We have been able to not only withstand one test after another, but even turn crises into opportunities. The Taiwanese economy has emerged from these crises stronger and more resilient than ever. As we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and I hope that all parties in the legislature, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. Let us join together and give it our all. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Southside Bancshares, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • First quarter net income of $21.5 million;
    • First quarter earnings per diluted common share of $0.71;
    • Annualized return on first quarter average assets of 1.03%;
    • Annualized return on first quarter average tangible common equity of 14.14%(1); and
    • Nonperforming assets remain low at 0.39% of total assets.

    TYLER, Texas, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Southside Bancshares, Inc. (“Southside” or the “Company”) (NYSE: SBSI) today reported its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Southside reported net income of $21.5 million and earnings per diluted common share of $0.71 for both of the three month periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. The annualized return on average shareholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was 10.57%, compared to 11.02% for the same period in 2024. The annualized return on average assets was 1.03% for both of the three month periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

    “We are pleased to report financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, which included earnings per share of $0.71, a return on average assets of 1.03%, and a return on average tangible common equity of 14.14%,” stated Lee R. Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Southside. “Linked quarter, the net interest margin increased three basis points to 2.86%, net interest income increased $145,000 to $53.9 million, and deposits net of public fund and brokered deposits increased $91.9 million. The linked quarter decrease in total loans was primarily due to payoffs exceeding original projections. Our loan pipeline is solid and we continue to anticipate mid-single-digit loan growth for 2025; however, it will likely be heavily weighted in the last half of the year.”

    Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

    Net income was $21.5 million and earnings per diluted common share were $0.71 for both of the three month periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. Annualized returns on average assets and average shareholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were 1.03% and 10.57%, respectively, compared to 1.03% and 11.02%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Our efficiency ratio and tax-equivalent efficiency ratio(1) were 57.04% and 55.04%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 57.95% and 55.54%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 56.08% and 54.00%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $53.9 million, an increase of $0.5 million, or 0.9%, compared to the same period in 2024. Linked quarter, net interest income increased $0.1 million, or 0.3%, compared to $53.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The increase in net interest income for both periods was due to the decrease in the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities and the increase in the average balance of our interest earning assets, partially offset by the decrease in the average yield of interest earning assets and the increase in the average balance of our interest bearing liabilities.

    Our net interest margin increased to 2.74% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 2.72% for the same period in 2024, while tax-equivalent net interest margin(1) was 2.86% for both of the three month periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. Linked quarter, net interest margin and tax-equivalent net interest margin(1) increased from 2.70% and 2.83%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    Noninterest income was $10.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $0.5 million, or 5.1%, compared to $9.7 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily due to increases in gain on sale of loans and trust fees, partially offset by an increase in net loss on sale of securities available for sale (“AFS”). On a linked quarter basis, noninterest income decreased $2.1 million, or 16.8%, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in other noninterest income, an increase in net loss on sale of securities AFS and a decrease in deposit services income. The decrease in other noninterest income was due to a decrease in swap fee income for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Noninterest expense increased $0.2 million, or 0.6%, to $37.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $36.9 million for the same period in 2024, due to increases in other noninterest expense and professional fees, partially offset by decreases in salaries and employee benefits expense and amortization of intangibles. On a linked quarter basis, noninterest expense decreased by $1.1 million, or 2.8%, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024, due to decreases in salaries and employee benefits, net occupancy, other noninterest expense and professional fees.

    Income tax expense increased $0.1 million, or 2.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. On a linked quarter basis, income tax expense increased $0.1 million, or 1.3%. Our effective tax rate (“ETR”) increased to 18.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 17.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and increased from 17.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The higher ETR for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, was primarily due to an increase in state income tax expense.

    Balance Sheet Data

    At March 31, 2025, Southside had $8.34 billion in total assets, compared to $8.35 billion at March 31, 2024, and $8.52 billion at December 31, 2024.

    Loans at March 31, 2025 were $4.57 billion, a decrease of $10.1 million, or 0.2%, compared to $4.58 billion at March 31, 2024. Linked quarter, loans decreased $94.4 million, or 2.0%, due to decreases of $79.7 million in construction loans, $19.7 million in municipal loans, $2.5 million in commercial real estate loans and $1.9 million in loans to individuals. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $8.5 million in commercial loans and $1.0 million in 1-4 family residential loans.

    Securities at March 31, 2025 were $2.74 billion, an increase of $24.2 million, or 0.9%, compared to $2.71 billion at March 31, 2024. Linked quarter, securities decreased $76.9 million, or 2.7%, from $2.81 billion at December 31, 2024.

    Deposits at March 31, 2025 were $6.59 billion, an increase of $45.1 million, or 0.7%, compared to $6.55 billion at March 31, 2024. Linked quarter, deposits decreased $63.4 million, or 1.0%, from $6.65 billion at December 31, 2024.

    At March 31, 2025, we had 178,840 total deposit accounts with an average balance of $34,000. Our estimated uninsured deposits were 40.0% of total deposits as of March 31, 2025. When excluding affiliate deposits (Southside-owned deposits) and public fund deposits (all collateralized), our total estimated deposits without insurance or collateral was 20.8% as of March 31, 2025. Our noninterest bearing deposits represent approximately 20.9% of total deposits. Linked quarter, our cost of interest bearing deposits decreased nine basis points from 2.92% in the prior quarter to 2.83%. Linked quarter, our cost of total deposits decreased five basis points from 2.31% in the prior quarter to 2.26%.

    Our cost of interest bearing deposits decreased 14 basis points, from 2.97% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, to 2.83% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Our cost of total deposits decreased 10 basis points, from 2.36% for the three months ended March 31, 2024, to 2.26% for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Capital Resources and Liquidity

    Our capital ratios and contingent liquidity sources remain solid. During the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, we did not purchase any common stock pursuant to our Stock Repurchase Plan. Under this plan, repurchases of our outstanding common stock may be carried out in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to any trading plan that might be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares under the Stock Repurchase Plan and may modify, suspend or discontinue the plan at any time. Subsequent to March 31, 2025, and through April 25, 2025, we purchased 196,419 shares of common stock at an average price of $26.82 pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plan.

    As of March 31, 2025, our total available contingent liquidity, net of current outstanding borrowings, was $2.29 billion, consisting of FHLB advances, Federal Reserve Discount Window and correspondent bank lines of credit.

    Asset Quality

    Nonperforming assets at March 31, 2025 were $32.2 million, or 0.39% of total assets, an increase of $24.2 million, or 303.5%, compared to $8.0 million, or 0.10% of total assets, at March 31, 2024. Linked quarter, nonperforming assets increased $28.6 million, or 797.0%, from $3.6 million at December 31, 2024 due primarily to increases of $27.5 million in restructured loans and $1.1 million in nonaccrual loans. The increase in restructured loans was due to the extension of maturity on a $27.5 million commercial real estate loan to allow for an extended lease up period. Classified loans totaled $67.0 million on March 31, 2025, compared to $48.0 million on December 31, 2024, primarily due to the downgrade of a $17.9 million commercial real estate loan in the first quarter that paid off on April 4, 2025.

    The allowance for loan losses totaled $44.6 million, or 0.98% of total loans, at March 31, 2025, compared to $44.9 million, or 0.96% of total loans, at December 31, 2024. The allowance for loan losses was $43.6 million, or 0.95% of total loans, at March 31, 2024. The increase in allowance as a percentage of total loans was primarily due to an increase in economic concerns forecasted in the CECL model, partially offset by a decrease in the loan portfolio due to payoffs.

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, we recorded a provision for credit losses for loans of $42,000, compared to a provision of $1.2 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Net charge-offs were $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    We recorded a provision for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to a reversal of provision for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures $1.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The balance of the allowance for off-balance-sheet credit exposures was $3.8 million and $2.8 million at March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and is included in other liabilities.

    Dividend

    Southside Bancshares, Inc. declared a first quarter cash dividend of $0.36 per share on February 6, 2025, which was paid on March 6, 2025, to all shareholders of record as of February 20, 2025.

    _______________

    (1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below and to “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for more information and for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.
       

    Conference Call

    Southside’s management team will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter ended March 31, 2025 financial results on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. CDT. The conference call can be accessed by webcast, for listen-only mode, on the company website, https://investors.southside.com, under Events.

    Those interested in participating in the question and answer session, or others who prefer to call-in, can register at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI1a8ec95cd2734970adaf83fadfc7f01d to receive the dial-in number and unique code to access the conference call seamlessly. While not required, it is recommended that those wishing to participate, register 10 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure a more efficient registration process.

    For those unable to attend the live event, a webcast recording will be available on the company website, https://investors.southside.com, for at least 30 days, beginning approximately two hours following the conference call.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Our accounting and reporting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States and prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, certain non-GAAP measures are used by management to supplement the evaluation of our performance. These include the following fully taxable-equivalent measures (“FTE”): (i) Net interest income (FTE), (ii) net interest margin (FTE), (iii) net interest spread (FTE), and (iv) efficiency ratio (FTE), which include the effects of taxable-equivalent adjustments using a federal income tax rate of 21% to increase tax-exempt interest income to a tax-equivalent basis. Interest income earned on certain assets is completely or partially exempt from federal income tax. As such, these tax-exempt instruments typically yield lower returns than taxable investments.

    Net interest income (FTE), net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread (FTE). Net interest income (FTE) is a non-GAAP measure that adjusts for the tax-favored status of net interest income from certain loans and investments and is not permitted under GAAP in the consolidated statements of income. We believe that this measure is the preferred industry measurement of net interest income and that it enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest income. Net interest margin (FTE) is the ratio of net interest income (FTE) to average earning assets. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest margin. Net interest spread (FTE) is the difference in the average yield on average earning assets on a tax-equivalent basis and the average rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest spread.

    Efficiency ratio (FTE). The efficiency ratio (FTE) is a non-GAAP measure that provides a measure of productivity in the banking industry. This ratio is calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. The ratio is designed to reflect the percentage of one dollar which must be expended to generate that dollar of revenue. We calculate this ratio by dividing noninterest expense, excluding amortization expense on intangibles and certain nonrecurring expense by the sum of net interest income (FTE) and noninterest income, excluding net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale and certain nonrecurring impairments. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our efficiency ratio.

    These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered alternatives to GAAP-basis financial statements and other bank holding companies may define or calculate these non-GAAP measures or similar measures differently. Whenever we present a non-GAAP financial measure in an SEC filing, we are also required to present the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP and reconcile the differences between the non-GAAP financial measure and such comparable GAAP measure.

    Management believes adjusting net interest income, net interest margin and net interest spread to a fully taxable-equivalent basis is a standard practice in the banking industry as these measures provide useful information to make peer comparisons. Tax-equivalent adjustments are reflected in the respective earning asset categories as listed in the “Average Balances with Average Yields and Rates” tables.

    A reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures is included at the end of the financial statement tables.

    About Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    Southside Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company with approximately $8.34 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025, that owns 100% of Southside Bank. Southside Bank currently has 53 branches in Texas and operates a network of 73 ATMs/ITMs.

    To learn more about Southside Bancshares, Inc., please visit our investor relations website at https://investors.southside.com. Our investor relations site provides a detailed overview of our activities, financial information and historical stock price data. To receive email notification of company news, events and stock activity, please register on the website under Resources and Investor Email Alerts. Questions or comments may be directed to Lindsey Bailes at (903) 630-7965, or lindsey.bailes@southside.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements of other than historical fact that are contained in this press release and in other written materials, documents and oral statements issued by or on behalf of the Company may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of and subject to the safe harbor protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. These statements may include words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “appear,” “believe,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “seek,” “intend,” “probability,” “risk,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,” “plans,” “potential,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, expectations, objectives, goals, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For example, benefits of the Share Repurchase Plan, trends in asset quality, capital, liquidity, the Company’s ability to sell nonperforming assets, expense reductions, planned operational efficiencies and earnings from growth and certain market risk disclosures, including the impact of interest rates and our expectations regarding rate changes, tax reform, inflation, tariffs, the impacts related to or resulting from other economic factors are based upon information presently available to management and are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future. Accordingly, our results could materially differ from those that have been estimated. The most significant factor that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated by our forward-looking statements include the ongoing impact of higher inflation levels, interest rate fluctuations, including the impact of changes in interest rates on our financial projections, models and guidance, and general economic and recessionary concerns, as well as the effects of declines in the real estate market, tariffs or trade wars (including reduced consumer spending, lower economic growth or recession, reduced demand for U.S. exports, disruptions to supply chains, and decreased demand for other banking products and services), high unemployment and increasing insurance costs, as well as the financial stress on borrowers as a result of the foregoing, all of which could impact economic growth and could cause a reduction in financial transactions and business activities, including decreased deposits and reduced loan originations, and our ability to manage liquidity in a rapidly changing and unpredictable market.

    Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under “Part I – Item 1. Forward Looking Information” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any factors or to announce publicly the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

     
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Summary (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      As of
        2025       2024  
      Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,
    ASSETS                  
    Cash and due from banks $ 103,359     $ 91,409     $ 130,147     $ 114,283     $ 96,744  
    Interest earning deposits   293,364       281,945       333,825       272,469       307,257  
    Federal funds sold   34,248       52,807       22,325       65,244       65,372  
    Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value   1,457,939       1,533,894       1,408,437       1,405,944       1,405,221  
    Securities held to maturity, at net carrying value   1,278,330       1,279,234       1,288,403       1,305,975       1,306,898  
    Total securities   2,736,269       2,813,128       2,696,840       2,711,919       2,712,119  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   34,208       33,818       40,291       32,991       27,958  
    Loans held for sale   903       1,946       768       1,352       756  
    Loans   4,567,239       4,661,597       4,578,048       4,589,365       4,577,368  
    Less: Allowance for loan losses   (44,623 )     (44,884 )     (44,276 )     (42,407 )     (43,557 )
    Net loans   4,522,616       4,616,713       4,533,772       4,546,958       4,533,811  
    Premises & equipment, net   142,245       141,648       138,811       138,489       139,491  
    Goodwill   201,116       201,116       201,116       201,116       201,116  
    Other intangible assets, net   1,531       1,754       2,003       2,281       2,588  
    Bank owned life insurance   137,962       138,313       137,489       136,903       136,604  
    Other assets   135,479       142,851       124,876       133,697       130,047  
    Total assets $ 8,343,300     $ 8,517,448     $ 8,362,263     $ 8,357,702     $ 8,353,863  
                       
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
    Noninterest bearing deposits $ 1,379,641     $ 1,357,152     $ 1,377,022     $ 1,366,924     $ 1,358,827  
    Interest bearing deposits   5,211,210       5,297,096       5,058,680       5,129,008       5,186,933  
    Total deposits   6,590,851       6,654,248       6,435,702       6,495,932       6,545,760  
    Other borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   691,417       808,352       865,856       763,700       770,151  
    Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt
    issuance costs
      92,078       92,042       92,006       91,970       93,913  
    Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   60,276       60,274       60,273       60,272       60,271  
    Other liabilities   92,055       90,590       103,172       144,858       95,846  
    Total liabilities   7,526,677       7,705,506       7,557,009       7,556,732       7,565,941  
    Shareholders’ equity   816,623       811,942       805,254       800,970       787,922  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 8,343,300     $ 8,517,448     $ 8,362,263     $ 8,357,702     $ 8,353,863  
                                           
       
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
    (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
       
      Three Months Ended
        2025       2024  
      Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,
    Income Statement:                  
    Total interest and dividend income $ 100,288     $ 101,689     $ 105,703     $ 104,186     $ 102,758  
    Total interest expense   46,436       47,982       50,239       50,578       49,410  
    Net interest income   53,852       53,707       55,464       53,608       53,348  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses   758       1,384       2,389       (485 )     58  
    Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses   53,094       52,323       53,075       54,093       53,290  
    Noninterest income                  
    Deposit services   5,829       6,084       6,199       6,157       5,985  
    Net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale   (554 )           (1,929 )     (563 )     (18 )
    Gain (loss) on sale of loans   55       138       115       220       (436 )
    Trust fees   1,765       1,773       1,628       1,456       1,336  
    Bank owned life insurance   799       848       857       1,767       784  
    Brokerage services   1,120       1,054       1,068       1,081       1,014  
    Other   1,209       2,384       233       1,439       1,059  
    Total noninterest income   10,223       12,281       8,171       11,557       9,724  
    Noninterest expense                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   22,382       22,960       22,233       21,984       23,113  
    Net occupancy   3,404       3,629       3,613       3,750       3,362  
    Advertising, travel & entertainment   924       884       734       795       950  
    ATM expense   378       378       412       368       325  
    Professional fees   1,520       1,645       1,206       1,075       1,154  
    Software and data processing   2,839       2,931       2,951       2,860       2,856  
    Communications   383       320       423       410       449  
    FDIC insurance   947       931       939       977       943  
    Amortization of intangibles   223       249       278       307       337  
    Other   4,089       4,232       3,543       3,239       3,392  
    Total noninterest expense   37,089       38,159       36,332       35,765       36,881  
    Income before income tax expense   26,228       26,445       24,914       29,885       26,133  
    Income tax expense   4,721       4,659       4,390       5,212       4,622  
    Net income $ 21,507     $ 21,786     $ 20,524     $ 24,673     $ 21,511  
                       
    Common Share Data:      
    Weighted-average basic shares outstanding   30,390       30,343       30,286       30,280       30,262  
    Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding   30,483       30,459       30,370       30,312       30,305  
    Common shares outstanding end of period   30,410       30,379       30,308       30,261       30,284  
    Earnings per common share                  
    Basic $ 0.71     $ 0.72     $ 0.68     $ 0.81     $ 0.71  
    Diluted   0.71       0.71       0.68       0.81       0.71  
    Book value per common share   26.85       26.73       26.57       26.47       26.02  
    Tangible book value per common share   20.19       20.05       19.87       19.75       19.29  
    Cash dividends paid per common share   0.36       0.36       0.36       0.36       0.36  
                       
    Selected Performance Ratios:                  
    Return on average assets   1.03 %     1.03 %     0.98 %     1.19 %     1.03 %
    Return on average shareholders’ equity   10.57       10.54       10.13       12.46       11.02  
    Return on average tangible common equity (1)   14.14       14.12       13.69       16.90       15.07  
    Average yield on earning assets (FTE) (1)   5.23       5.24       5.51       5.45       5.38  
    Average rate on interest bearing liabilities   3.03       3.12       3.28       3.32       3.22  
    Net interest margin (FTE) (1)   2.86       2.83       2.95       2.87       2.86  
    Net interest spread (FTE) (1)   2.20       2.12       2.23       2.13       2.16  
    Average earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities   128.10       129.55       128.51       128.62       127.71  
    Noninterest expense to average total assets   1.78       1.80       1.73       1.72       1.77  
    Efficiency ratio (FTE) (1)   55.04       54.00       51.90       52.71       55.54  
    (1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.
       
       
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
       
      Three Months Ended
        2025       2024  
      Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,
    Nonperforming Assets: $ 32,193     $ 3,589     $ 7,656     $ 6,918     $ 7,979  
    Nonaccrual loans   4,254       3,185       7,254       6,110       7,709  
    Accruing loans past due more than 90 days                            
    Restructured loans   27,505       2             145       151  
    Other real estate owned   388       388       388       648       119  
    Repossessed assets   46       14       14       15        
                       
    Asset Quality Ratios:                  
    Ratio of nonaccruing loans to:                  
    Total loans   0.09 %     0.07 %     0.16 %     0.13 %     0.17 %
    Ratio of nonperforming assets to:                  
    Total assets   0.39       0.04       0.09       0.08       0.10  
    Total loans   0.70       0.08       0.17       0.15       0.17  
    Total loans and OREO   0.70       0.08       0.17       0.15       0.17  
    Ratio of allowance for loan losses to:                  
    Nonaccruing loans   1,048.97       1,409.23       610.37       694.06       565.01  
    Nonperforming assets   138.61       1,250.60       578.32       613.00       545.90  
    Total loans   0.98       0.96       0.97       0.92       0.95  
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding   0.03       0.08       0.04       0.02       0.03  
                       
    Capital Ratios:                  
    Shareholders’ equity to total assets   9.79       9.53       9.63       9.58       9.43  
    Common equity tier 1 capital   13.44       13.04       13.07       12.72       12.43  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   14.49       14.07       14.12       13.76       13.47  
    Total risk-based capital   17.01       16.49       16.59       16.16       15.92  
    Tier 1 leverage capital   9.73       9.67       9.61       9.40       9.22  
    Period end tangible equity to period end tangible assets (1)   7.54       7.33       7.38       7.33       7.17  
    Average shareholders’ equity to average total assets   9.75       9.76       9.67       9.52       9.35  
    (1) Refer to the “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.
       
       
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
       
      Three Months Ended
        2025       2024  
    Loan Portfolio Composition Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,
    Real Estate Loans:                  
    Construction $ 458,101     $ 537,827     $ 585,817     $ 546,040     $ 599,464  
    1-4 Family Residential   741,432       740,396       755,406       738,037       720,508  
    Commercial   2,577,229       2,579,735       2,422,612       2,472,771       2,413,345  
    Commercial Loans   371,643       363,167       358,854       359,807       358,053  
    Municipal Loans   371,271       390,968       402,041       416,986       427,225  
    Loans to Individuals   47,563       49,504       53,318       55,724       58,773  
    Total Loans $ 4,567,239     $ 4,661,597     $ 4,578,048     $ 4,589,365     $ 4,577,368  
                       
    Summary of Changes in Allowances:                  
    Allowance for Securities Held to Maturity                  
    Balance at beginning of period $     $     $     $     $  
    Provision for (reversal of) securities held to maturity   64                          
    Balance at end of period $ 64     $     $     $     $  
                       
    Allowance for Loan Losses                  
    Balance at beginning of period $ 44,884     $ 44,276     $ 42,407     $ 43,557     $ 42,674  
    Loans charged-off   (613 )     (1,232 )     (773 )     (721 )     (634 )
    Recoveries of loans charged-off   310       277       365       444       347  
    Net loans (charged-off) recovered   (303 )     (955 )     (408 )     (277 )     (287 )
    Provision for (reversal of) loan losses   42       1,563       2,277       (873 )     1,170  
    Balance at end of period $ 44,623     $ 44,884     $ 44,276     $ 42,407     $ 43,557  
                       
    Allowance for Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures                  
    Balance at beginning of period $ 3,141     $ 3,320     $ 3,208     $ 2,820     $ 3,932  
    Provision for (reversal of) off-balance-sheet credit exposures   652       (179 )     112       388       (1,112 )
    Balance at end of period $ 3,793     $ 3,141     $ 3,320     $ 3,208     $ 2,820  
    Total Allowance for Credit Losses $ 48,480     $ 48,025     $ 47,596     $ 45,615     $ 46,377  
                                           

    The tables that follow show average earning assets and interest bearing liabilities together with the average yield on the earning assets and the average rate of the interest bearing liabilities for the periods presented. The interest and related yields presented are on a fully taxable-equivalent basis and are therefore non-GAAP measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” for more information.

     
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
       
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
      Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Rate (3)   Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Rate (3)
    ASSETS                      
    Loans (1) $ 4,625,902     $ 68,160   5.98 %   $ 4,604,175     $ 70,155   6.06 %
    Loans held for sale   752       11   5.93 %     1,562       23   5.86 %
    Securities:                      
    Taxable investment securities (2)   749,155       6,363   3.44 %     784,321       6,949   3.52 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities (2)   1,134,590       10,253   3.66 %     1,138,271       10,793   3.77 %
    Mortgage-backed and related securities (2)   1,041,038       13,523   5.27 %     1,031,187       12,043   4.65 %
    Total securities   2,924,783       30,139   4.18 %     2,953,779       29,785   4.01 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments   43,285       483   4.53 %     37,078       591   6.34 %
    Interest earning deposits   319,889       3,370   4.27 %     273,656       3,160   4.59 %
    Federal funds sold   43,813       478   4.42 %     43,121       508   4.69 %
    Total earning assets   7,958,424       102,641   5.23 %     7,913,371       104,222   5.24 %
    Cash and due from banks   89,703               102,914          
    Accrued interest and other assets   457,948               454,387          
    Less: Allowance for loan losses   (45,105 )             (44,418 )        
    Total assets $ 8,460,970             $ 8,426,254          
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Savings accounts $ 593,953       1,429   0.98 %   $ 594,196       1,456   0.97 %
    Certificates of deposit   1,336,815       14,406   4.37 %     1,187,800       13,537   4.53 %
    Interest bearing demand accounts   3,406,342       21,412   2.55 %     3,459,122       23,468   2.70 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,337,110       37,247   2.83 %     5,241,118       38,461   2.92 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   614,897       5,837   3.85 %     572,993       5,557   3.86 %
    Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   92,060       932   4.11 %     92,024       945   4.09 %
    Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   60,275       1,014   6.82 %     60,274       1,095   7.23 %
    Repurchase agreements   75,291       666   3.59 %     80,891       782   3.85 %
    Other borrowings   33,061       740   9.08 %     61,196       1,142   7.42 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   6,212,694       46,436   3.03 %     6,108,496       47,982   3.12 %
    Noninterest bearing deposits   1,334,933               1,383,204          
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   88,450               112,320          
    Total liabilities   7,636,077               7,604,020          
    Shareholders’ equity   824,893               822,234          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 8,460,970             $ 8,426,254          
    Net interest income (FTE)     $ 56,205           $ 56,240    
    Net interest margin (FTE)         2.86 %           2.83 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)         2.20 %           2.12 %
    (1) Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
    (2) For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities do not include unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities.
    (3) Yield/rate includes the impact of applicable derivatives.
       

    Note: As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, loans totaling $4.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

     
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024
      Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Rate (3)   Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Rate (3)
    ASSETS                      
    Loans (1) $ 4,613,028     $ 72,493   6.25 %   $ 4,595,980     $ 70,293   6.15 %
    Loans held for sale   871       11   5.02 %     1,489       24   6.48 %
    Securities:                      
    Taxable investment securities (2)   791,914       7,150   3.59 %     783,856       7,009   3.60 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities (2)   1,174,445       11,825   4.01 %     1,254,097       12,761   4.09 %
    Mortgage-backed and related securities (2)   886,325       11,976   5.38 %     830,504       11,084   5.37 %
    Total securities   2,852,684       30,951   4.32 %     2,868,457       30,854   4.33 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments   41,159       582   5.63 %     40,467       573   5.69 %
    Interest earning deposits   281,313       3,798   5.37 %     300,047       4,105   5.50 %
    Federal funds sold   33,971       488   5.71 %     75,479       1,021   5.44 %
    Total earning assets   7,823,026       108,323   5.51 %     7,881,919       106,870   5.45 %
    Cash and due from banks   100,578               110,102          
    Accrued interest and other assets   455,091               424,323          
    Less: Allowance for loan losses   (42,581 )             (43,738 )        
    Total assets $ 8,336,114             $ 8,372,606          
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Savings accounts $ 598,116       1,490   0.99 %   $ 604,753       1,454   0.97 %
    Certificates of deposit   1,087,613       12,647   4.63 %     1,020,099       11,630   4.59 %
    Interest bearing demand accounts   3,409,911       24,395   2.85 %     3,513,068       25,382   2.91 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,095,640       38,532   3.01 %     5,137,920       38,466   3.01 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   618,708       6,488   4.17 %     606,851       6,455   4.28 %
    Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   91,988       937   4.05 %     92,017       936   4.09 %
    Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   60,273       1,180   7.79 %     60,271       1,171   7.81 %
    Repurchase agreements   83,297       899   4.29 %     88,007       955   4.36 %
    Other borrowings   137,482       2,203   6.37 %     143,169       2,595   7.29 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   6,087,388       50,239   3.28 %     6,128,235       50,578   3.32 %
    Noninterest bearing deposits   1,344,165               1,346,274          
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   98,331               101,399          
    Total liabilities   7,529,884               7,575,908          
    Shareholders’ equity   806,230               796,698          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 8,336,114             $ 8,372,606          
    Net interest income (FTE)     $ 58,084           $ 56,292    
    Net interest margin (FTE)         2.95 %           2.87 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)         2.23 %           2.13 %
    (1) Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
    (2) For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities do not include unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities.
    (3) Yield/rate includes the impact of applicable derivatives.
       

    Note: As of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, loans totaling $7.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

     
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2024
      Average Balance   Interest   Average Yield/Rate (3)
    ASSETS          
    Loans (1) $ 4,559,602     $ 68,849   6.07 %
    Loans held for sale   8,834       18   0.82 %
    Securities:          
    Taxable investment securities (2)   780,423       6,967   3.59 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities (2)   1,285,922       13,168   4.12 %
    Mortgage-backed and related securities (2)   764,713       10,119   5.32 %
    Total securities   2,831,058       30,254   4.30 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments   40,063       333   3.34 %
    Interest earning deposits   380,181       5,202   5.50 %
    Federal funds sold   62,599       838   5.38 %
    Total earning assets   7,882,337       105,494   5.38 %
    Cash and due from banks   114,379          
    Accrued interest and other assets   441,783          
    Less: Allowance for loan losses   (42,973 )        
    Total assets $ 8,395,526          
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Savings accounts $ 604,529       1,424   0.95 %
    Certificates of deposit   941,947       10,341   4.42 %
    Interest bearing demand accounts   3,634,936       26,433   2.92 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   5,181,412       38,198   2.97 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   607,033       5,950   3.94 %
    Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   93,895       956   4.10 %
    Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs   60,270       1,175   7.84 %
    Repurchase agreements   92,177       967   4.22 %
    Other borrowings   137,287       2,164   6.34 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   6,172,074       49,410   3.22 %
    Noninterest bearing deposits   1,338,384          
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   100,014          
    Total liabilities   7,610,472          
    Shareholders’ equity   785,054          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 8,395,526          
    Net interest income (FTE)     $ 56,084    
    Net interest margin (FTE)         2.86 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)         2.16 %
    (1) Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
    (2) For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities do not include unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities.
    (3) Yield/rate includes the impact of applicable derivatives.
       

    Note: As of March 31, 2024, loans totaling $7.7 million were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

    The following tables set forth the reconciliation of return on average common equity to return on average tangible common equity, book value per share to tangible book value per share, net interest income to net interest income adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% marginal tax rate for interest earned on tax-exempt assets such as municipal loans and investment securities, along with the calculation of total revenue, adjusted noninterest expense, efficiency ratio (FTE), net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread (FTE) for the applicable periods presented.

     
    Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
    (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
     
        Three Months Ended
          2025       2024  
        Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,
    Reconciliation of return on average common equity to return on average tangible common equity:                    
    Net income   $ 21,507     $ 21,786     $ 20,524     $ 24,673     $ 21,511  
    After-tax amortization expense     176       196       220       243       266  
    Adjusted net income available to common shareholders   $ 21,683     $ 21,982     $ 20,744     $ 24,916     $ 21,777  
                         
    Average shareholders’ equity   $ 824,893     $ 822,234     $ 806,230     $ 796,698     $ 785,054  
    Less: Average intangibles for the period     (202,784 )     (203,020 )     (203,288 )     (203,581 )     (203,910 )
    Average tangible shareholders’ equity   $ 622,109     $ 619,214     $ 602,942     $ 593,117     $ 581,144  
                         
    Return on average tangible common equity     14.14 %     14.12 %     13.69 %     16.90 %     15.07 %
                         
    Reconciliation of book value per share to tangible book value per share:                    
    Common equity at end of period   $ 816,623     $ 811,942     $ 805,254     $ 800,970     $ 787,922  
    Less: Intangible assets at end of period     (202,647 )     (202,870 )     (203,119 )     (203,397 )     (203,704 )
    Tangible common shareholders’ equity at end of period   $ 613,976     $ 609,072     $ 602,135     $ 597,573     $ 584,218  
                         
    Total assets at end of period   $ 8,343,300     $ 8,517,448     $ 8,362,263     $ 8,357,702     $ 8,353,863  
    Less: Intangible assets at end of period     (202,647 )     (202,870 )     (203,119 )     (203,397 )     (203,704 )
    Tangible assets at end of period   $ 8,140,653     $ 8,314,578     $ 8,159,144     $ 8,154,305     $ 8,150,159  
                         
    Period end tangible equity to period end tangible assets     7.54 %     7.33 %     7.38 %     7.33 %     7.17 %
                         
    Common shares outstanding end of period     30,410       30,379       30,308       30,261       30,284  
    Tangible book value per common share   $ 20.19     $ 20.05     $ 19.87     $ 19.75     $ 19.29  
                         
    Reconciliation of efficiency ratio to efficiency ratio (FTE), net interest margin to net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread to net interest spread (FTE):                    
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 53,852     $ 53,707     $ 55,464     $ 53,608     $ 53,348  
    Tax-equivalent adjustments:                    
    Loans     581       598       608       633       656  
    Tax-exempt investment securities     1,772       1,935       2,012       2,051       2,080  
    Net interest income (FTE) (1)     56,205       56,240       58,084       56,292       56,084  
    Noninterest income     10,223       12,281       8,171       11,557       9,724  
    Nonrecurring income (2)     554       (25 )     2,797       (576 )     18  
    Total revenue   $ 66,982     $ 68,496     $ 69,052     $ 67,273     $ 65,826  
                         
    Noninterest expense   $ 37,089     $ 38,159     $ 36,332     $ 35,765     $ 36,881  
    Pre-tax amortization expense     (223 )     (249 )     (278 )     (307 )     (337 )
    Nonrecurring expense (3)     (1 )     (919 )     (219 )     2       17  
    Adjusted noninterest expense   $ 36,865     $ 36,991     $ 35,835     $ 35,460     $ 36,561  
                         
    Efficiency ratio     57.04 %     56.08 %     53.94 %     54.90 %     57.95 %
    Efficiency ratio (FTE) (1)     55.04 %     54.00 %     51.90 %     52.71 %     55.54 %
                         
    Average earning assets   $ 7,958,424     $ 7,913,371     $ 7,823,026     $ 7,881,919     $ 7,882,337  
                         
    Net interest margin     2.74 %     2.70 %     2.82 %     2.74 %     2.72 %
    Net interest margin (FTE) (1)     2.86 %     2.83 %     2.95 %     2.87 %     2.86 %
                         
    Net interest spread     2.08 %     1.99 %     2.10 %     2.00 %     2.02 %
    Net interest spread (FTE) (1)     2.20 %     2.12 %     2.23 %     2.13 %     2.16 %
    (1) These amounts are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis and are non-GAAP measures.
    (2) These adjustments may include net gain or loss on sale of securities available for sale, BOLI income related to death benefits realized and other investment income or loss in the periods where applicable.
    (3) These adjustments may include foreclosure expenses and branch closure expenses, in the periods where applicable.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Twelve arrested in MHRA’s biggest ever crackdown on organised medicines trafficking

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Twelve arrested in MHRA’s biggest ever crackdown on organised medicines trafficking

    Dawn raids in four counties across the West Midlands and the Northwest of England this morning (29 April) dismantle major criminal network trafficking unlicensed medicines.

    Some of the medicines seized in raids today. Credit: MHRA

    Twelve suspects have been arrested in dawn raids in four counties across the West Midlands and the Northwest of England this morning (29 April) in the largest criminal investigation into organised medicines trafficking in the history of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

    The individuals have been arrested on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group, conspiracy to sell or supply controlled drugs and unlicensed medicines, and money laundering. Suspects are being held for questioning at police stations across the two regions.

    The raids across the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Merseyside follow a lengthy intelligence-led investigation, codenamed ‘Operation Subaru’, by the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit. Around 150 officers were deployed in today’s operation, with MHRA staff supported by West Midlands and North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, the National Crime Agency, Staffordshire Police and Greater Manchester Police.

    In searches of 22 residential and commercial premises, hundreds of thousands of doses of medicines have been seized including controlled drugs such as opioid painkillers and anti-anxiety medicines, around £100,000 in cash, luxury watches and suspected criminal assets held in cryptocurrency. The MHRA has also obtained restraint orders for more than £3.5 million in assets suspected to be linked to criminal activity.

    Andy Morling, head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said:

    “Today’s search and arrest operation follows a long, complex and thorough investigation by the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit. Operation Subaru is the largest investigation we’ve ever undertaken and demonstrates the MHRA’s commitment to protecting the public by dismantling the organised international criminal networks that cause so much harm.

    “Trafficking in medicines destroys lives and places a huge financial burden on wider society. Our dedicated team will stop at nothing to tackle this illegal trade by taking potentially harmful medicines off the street and bringing those responsible to justice. As today’s operation shows, there is nowhere to hide.”

    “I’m extremely grateful to each of our law enforcement partners involved today for their substantial, enthusiastic and unwavering support.

    “I would also urge the public to be extremely cautious when buying medicines online. Medicines should only be obtained from a registered pharmacy against a prescription issued by a healthcare professional. Taking medicines sourced in any other way carries serious risks to your health – there are no guarantees about what they contain, and some may even be contaminated with toxic substances.

    The MHRA #FakeMeds website offers helpful guidance and advice for staying safe when buying medicines online.

    This operation is the latest step in the MHRA’s crackdown on illegal medicines trafficking. In 2024, the Agency’s Criminal Enforcement Unit and its partners in the Home Office’s Border Force removed more than 17.5m doses of trafficked medicines from circulation. The seized medicines, including painkillers, sleeping tablets and erectile dysfunction treatments, had a potential street value of more than £40 million.

    Notes to editors 

    1. The Criminal Enforcement Unit is the MHRA’s in-house law enforcement function, leading the Agency’s response to medicines crime. Its strategic mission is to protect the public, maintain confidence in regulation and uphold the rule of law by preventing offending where it can, disrupting offending where it cannot, and bringing offenders to justice where it should. It uses the full range of its powers and capabilities, including intelligence analysis, online disruption, covert techniques and asset recovery to tackle criminal threats to the UK public, working closely with the police and law enforcement agencies in the UK and overseas.

    2. Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from a medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the Yellow Card website or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.

    3. The MHRA’s Accredited Financial Investigators are authorised by the National Crime Agency under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). They support investigations by tracing, freezing, and confiscating assets linked to crime, including money laundering and the illegal supply of medicines. Their work includes seizing cash, valuable items, and freezing bank accounts or cryptocurrency suspected of criminal origins. The Home Office’s Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS) allows a proportion of the proceeds of crime recovered under POCA, to be redistributed to agencies involved in the asset recovery process.

    4. 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.

    5. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.

    6. For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Guinea

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Guinea

    Statement by the UK’s Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders, at Guinea’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you, Madame Vice President.

    We thank the Guinean delegation for setting out its efforts to protect human rights. And we welcome the steps taken to return to constitutional order. Presidential elections must be held by the end of 2025, as committed to by President Doumbouya.

    Guinea must also take urgent action to tackle corruption in the judiciary and public administration, ensuring that international standards are upheld.            

    Freedom of expression and media freedom are vital. We urge the Government to decriminalise peaceful demonstration and lift the ban on mainstream private media. This will, in turn, strengthen legal protection for journalists, the media and civil society.

    Steps should also be taken to tackle all forms of discrimination and inequality including against minority groups.

    We recommend that Guinea:

    1. Ensure electoral processes in 2025 are credible, including during September’s referendum on the constitution; and local, legislative and presidential elections

    2. Promote freedom of expression by decriminalising defamation, lifting the ban on private media channels and allowing peaceful public demonstrations. 

    3. Take urgent action to tackle corruption in the judiciary and public administration, upholding due process in line with international standards.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Getting to Know the Technologies of the Future: Participants of the SUM Accelerator Visited TechnoSpark

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    Participants of the Acceleration Interuniversity Program “City Energy. Environment 2.0”, implemented by the State University of Management, visited “TechnoSpark” and got acquainted with the latest developments. The excursion was organized by the Department of Project Management of the State University of Management.

    The event was attended by teams of students from our university, Bauman Moscow State Technical University and MIRE, who are developing the following technological startups: thermoelectric material for use in optoelectronics and solar batteries, a device for generating bioenergy, a heated thermo mug, capsule fitness clubs, a bull-machine, a system for automating warehouse complexes, a device for monitoring and cleaning air, an adaptive lighting system, a multifunctional bath, soap production and processing technology and others.

    TechnoSpark, a part of the Rusnano Group, is the industrial partner of the program, so the participants came here for expertise and to discuss measures to support their technological startup projects. It should be noted that it was at the request of TechnoSpark that the participants developed their projects and selected young specialists for their teams from other universities.

    The tour included demonstrations of the latest production sites, expert consultations with teams, and a pitch session for projects.

    Participants learned about contract manufacturing opportunities for startups and corporations and about the most powerful exoskeleton in Russia, visited a metalworking shop and saw ready-made solutions for external customers: umbrella sharing for the Metro, Tubot in-pipe robots for hard-to-reach branched pipelines for the Transneft company.

    The teams got acquainted with the latest domestic developments in warehouse management – intelligent logistics robots RONAVI Robotics for solving various tasks of warehouse and production logistics, as well as with the products and services of TEN Optics, which applies various types of coatings to glass. They saw how artificial diamonds are grown.

    Specialists and experts from MED Print companies demonstrated their own production of bone and joint implants that quickly grow into human tissue and allow to shorten and facilitate the rehabilitation period, talked about the launch of serial additive production of medical and plastic products, demonstrated finished products for people and animals. And at the Russian Flexible Electronics Center, accelerator participants learned about the production of EPD displays and other components for flexible plastic electronics in the largest clean room in Russia.

    At the end of the excursion, a pitch session was held, at which the teams presented their developments on technological projects and discussed the possibilities of further cooperation with TechnoSpark and its partners.

    “This accelerator shows the effect of the requests that the teams are developing their projects on: these are extremely popular areas of technological production in our country, these are specific partner companies that are looking for exactly these solutions. It is also great when managers, marketers, and guys from technical universities: chemists, engineers work in one team. The development of the project ceases to be just conceptual, but is overgrown with specific solutions, which we saw today in the form of models, sketches, drawings, formulas. If the guys managed to do this in two and a half months, then it will be interesting to see what they will show at Demodna, taking into account today’s comments and remarks,” said Yuri Bocharov, General Director of Contract Manufacturing TEN Group of the Rusnano Group.

    The acceleration interuniversity program “City Energy. Environment 2.0” is held at the State University of Management from February to June 2025 and is already the seventh acceleration program implemented at the State University of Management since 2022. This year, over 120 teams from 26 Russian universities are participating in it.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/29/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Workers’ Memorial Day 2025

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 28, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 28, 2025 as “Workers’ Memorial Day.”

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

    On Workers’ Memorial Day, we acknowledge, remember, and honor all those who lost their lives or were injured on the job, and renew our commitment to securing safe and healthy working conditions for all workers.

    Our diverse workforce has helped make California’s economy the envy of the world, and the contributions of our workers help all Californians to live and thrive in the state. Workers serving in our state’s many industries put themselves at risk of serious injury every day. California is profoundly grateful to these women and men and is committed to protecting those who support all of us.

    Our state has a long history of championing important safeguards and rights for our workers. In 1991, California became the first state in the nation to adopt an Injury and Illness Prevention Program standard, and in recent years, our state has adopted strong public health standards to further protect workers and their families.

    In recent years, we have advanced landmark actions to improve working conditions and wages for fast-food workers, protect warehouse workers from unsafe production quotas, end unfair pay practices impacting garment industry workers, and protect the health of workers in the stone fabrication industry. These vital efforts would not have been possible without the leadership of workers who have spoken out and led the charge for safer conditions for themselves and their co-workers.

    As we recognize Workers’ Memorial Day and pay tribute to our fallen workers, let us recommit to supporting the welfare of our workforce and ensuring healthy and safe workplaces for all Californians.

    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2025 as “Workers’ Memorial Day.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 18th day of April 2025.
     

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

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