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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: I&T collabs create productivity: CE

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee

    I am delighted to welcome you to Hong Kong, and the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit.

     

    And I am honoured to say that the Asia-Pacific Summit, taking place over these next two days in Hong Kong, marks the first time the World Internet Conference has held an international summit outside Mainland China.

     

    That, ladies and gentlemen, is a testament to Hong Kong’s rising role as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. It also reflects our deepening integration with our country’s national development.  

     

    That will become abundantly clear over these next two days. Like the World Internet Conference itself, this summit offers high-level dialogue for the global internet community – for you – the nearly 1,000 professionals here from 30 countries and regions.

     

    You are senior government officials and business leaders, industry association heads, academics and researchers and professionals from different disciplines. And you are here to expand your international connections, create business opportunities and help build the interconnected digital future.

     

    Hong Kong’s rise as an I&T hub has been fast-tracked by our vibrant economy, which is powered by free trade and boasts the world’s third-largest financial centre. It helps, too, that Hong Kong has long been a key business conduit between the Mainland and the rest of the world.

     

    And it all comes together under our unique “one country, two systems” framework.

     

    This cardinal governing principle gives Hong Kong the best of both worlds: access to the vast opportunities of the Mainland market, while maintaining the advantages of our unmatched connectivity of our common law system, free flow of information, capital, goods and people. This unmatched connectivity has brought you here.

     

    There are many good examples. A shining example is the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster, which ranks second, globally, in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index. It shows how, with the development of the Greater Bay Area, we can converge Hong Kong’s excellent research and development and world-class, international business environment, with the innovative prowess of the Mainland’s technology industry.

     

    We are building Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, which straddles the small river that separates Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The Hong Kong park within this co-operation zone smartly embodies the virtues of the “one country, two systems” principle and cross-boundary co-operation.

     

    Last month, I attended the topping-out ceremony for the park’s first three buildings – two wet laboratories and a talent accommodation complex. The park will enter its operational phase this year, with the first tenants – from life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI), to data science and other pillar industries – moving in.

     

    The development of another five buildings is in full swing. We have earmarked some US$500 million to expedite the park’s two-phase development.

     

    We need, of course, strategic companies and talent to take full advantage of the park’s opportunities – and other of Hong Kong’s far-reaching prospects. And we are getting them. Under the enhanced talent admission regime we rolled out in 2022, we have already approved more than 300,000 talent admission applications. Over 200,000 of them, ie two-thirds, have already arrived here.

     

    Meanwhile, over 80 strategic enterprises from around the world in the booming industries of life and health technology, AI and data science, fintech and more, have joined us. They will invest over US$6 million and create over 20,000 jobs here in the coming years.

     

    The park is situated in the Northern Metropolis, an entirely new economic engine for Hong Kong. The Northern Metropolis, which makes up one-third of Hong Kong’s area, straddles our land boundary with Shenzhen.

     

    I am confident that our collaborative efforts with Shenzhen, and throughout the Greater Bay Area, will see the rise of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone as a world-class I&T hub, creating a critical source of new quality productive forces for the country.

     

    AI is central to the Hong Kong park’s research and development. It is no less central to Hong Kong’s future.

     

    In December last year, the first phase of Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre became operational. Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship, Cyberport is home to more than 330 startups specialising in AI and big data.

     

    Hong Kong is determined to maximise AI’s immense potential for new industrialisation, and to further society’s digital transformation.

     

    We have, for example, set up funding schemes to help local manufacturers switch to smart manufacturing and strategic industries to establish smart production facilities here in Hong Kong.

     

    And our HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund, amounting to nearly US$1.3 billion, channels market capital to invest in industries of strategic importance, including AI and robotics.

     

    There is more. We aim to establish, by the next financial year, the Hong Kong AI R&D Institute, having reserved nearly US$130 million to get it up and running. The institute will spearhead Hong Kong’s research and development, and drive AI-based industrial applications.

     

    AI will also promote smart government. Not only driving document digitalisation and automation, and payments and business processes, but, more important, how we go about making policy and delivering public services.

     

    All that, and much more, will fuel discussion and debate at today’s main forum and the three sub-forums taking place tomorrow.

     

    This summit matters. Co-operation matters. Especially during these challenging times to geopolitics and trade relations. Hong Kong champions free trade and multilateralism. We believe in teamwork and offer a range of welcoming programmes for investors, companies, researchers and other strategic talent. Hong Kong welcomes all business interests from those who are keen to pursue development with us. In this global city, we will make a decided difference for you, and your future.

     

    I am grateful to the World Internet Conference for hosting the Asia-Pacific Summit here in Hong Kong. Grateful, too, to our Innovation, Technology& Industry Bureau and other government offices for organising this high-profile global event.

     

    I wish you all an inspiring summit, and the best of business, and health, through this endlessly challenging, but promising, year.

     

    Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit on April 14.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Suspect in custody for arson at US Pennsylvania governor’s residence

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An arson suspect was arrested on Sunday afternoon, hours after the Pennsylvania governor’s official residence was blazed and partly damaged in the state’s capital city of Harrisburg, said Pennsylvania State Police.

    The suspect was identified as Cody Balmer, a 38-year-old man from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris told a press conference.

    The suspect hopped over a fence around the governor’s residence and forcibly entered the building before setting it on fire early Sunday morning, according to the state police.

    The attack was “targeted” but its specific motive is still unknown, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said at the conference.

    Shapiro said that he, his wife, their four children, two dogs and another family that had celebrated Passover on Saturday were inside the home when they “woke up to bangs on the door from Pennsylvania State Police” around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on Sunday.

    Balmer will face charges including attempted murder, terrorism, arson, and aggravated assault against an enumerated person, said Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo at the press conference.

    No one was injured by the fire, but parts of the residence sustained a “significant amount of damage”, said the state police in a statement earlier on Sunday.

    Shapiro, 51, a Democrat, is considered a potential contender in the 2028 U.S. presidential race.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Offshoring solutions provider Yempo to run 2025 Australia roadshow

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — From 12 May to 10 June, industry-leading specialist offshoring solutions company Yempo will be running its 2025 roadshow in Australia, where its story began 11 years ago.

    Yempo is a specialist provider of Philippines-based accounting, finance, and Information Technology (IT) professionals to businesses in Australia, UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Japan. It is led by Australian CEO Michelle Fiegehen, an experienced senior director.

    “Each year, we make it a point to visit clients in Australia to understand how they are doing and how we can serve them better. But this year’s trip is extra special as we celebrate a decade of excellence in providing offshore IT and accounting talent, and we are introducing outsourcing to more businesses in my home country,” said Fiegehen.

    Yempo has received multiple citations in the industry, including the Best Offshoring Solutions Provider from the Global Business Awards in 2023, and the ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems certification. According to the ISO website, implementing the ISO 9001 means that an organisation has “put in place effective processes and trained staff to deliver flawless products or services time after time.”

    Fiegehen, meanwhile, was named one of the Top Emerging Women Leaders of 2024 by the Victory Magazine, APAC’s 10 High-Performing CEOs from the Philippines in 2023, and the Best CEOs of the Year by The CEO Views in 2022.

    Among the company’s satisfied clients in Australia is SDJA Audit Specialists, whose Director Simon Joyce says, “Yempo provides peace of mind, and a one-stop shop from job spec to ad, interview, employment, admin, tech, payroll.​ Its fully integrated model means they are an extension of our local team.”

    In keeping with Yempo’s commitment to giving back to community, clients are also able to contribute to its highly regarded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which benefits children’s charities and animal rescue foundations.

    Register to meet Yempo’s CEO in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth here or visit yempo-solutions.com today, to learn more about the company’s IT and accounting offshoring services. 

    Contact person:

    Michelle Fiegehen, CEO

    michelle@yempo-solutions.co

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Big Girls Don’t Cry is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and comical celebration of Indigenous resilience and survival

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Case, Lecturer in Musicology, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney

    Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir

    With Big Girls Don’t Cry, Gumbaynggirr/Wiradjuri playwright Dalara Williams proves herself to be a formidable talent.

    Cheryl (Williams), Queenie (Megan Wilding) and Lulu (Stephanie Somerville) are three best friends who share a house together in 1960s Redfern, the heart of “Blak Sydney”, after moving from the bush to the city.

    The trio swap outfits, go out dancing, socialise and talk about boys while navigating low-paying jobs, curfews and police brutality. Directed by Ian Michael, Big Girls Don’t Cry sits against a backdrop of political moments from service in the Vietnam War, to the 1965 Freedom Rides, the 1966 Wave Hill Walk Off and the 1967 Referendum.

    Pride and resilience

    The second act sees the girls prepare for the 1966 Aboriginal Debutante Ball at Paddington Town Hall.

    Their excitement and anticipation are palpable.

    The girls prepare for the 1966 Aboriginal Debutante Ball.
    Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir

    The ball represents more than just a social event: it is a symbol of pride, resilience and cultural celebration. It serves as a powerful reminder of the community’s strength and unity, showcasing their determination to preserve and honour their heritage amid adversity.

    Meticulous attention to detail in the set (Stephen Curtis) and costume design (Emma White) transports us back to this pivotal moment in history, making it feel both authentic and immersive.

    Each character’s wardrobe reflects their personality. Debutante dresses and accessories add depth to the characters and their stories, making the visual elements not only historically accurate but also emotionally resonant.

    Genuine and moving

    Williams’ darker and more confronting scenes are expertly juxtaposed with love stories and hilarious laugh-out-loud moments, particularly from the exceptional Wilding, who wholeheartedly embodies her fierce and outspoken character Queenie.

    Williams captivates with her nuanced portrayal of Cheryl, balancing strength and vulnerability. Somerville adds a layer of tenderness and hope as Lulu. The chemistry between these three actors is undeniable. Their friendship is genuine and moving.

    Guy Simon’s portrayal of Cheryl’s brother Ernest is a true highlight. While Cheryl strives to keep him out of trouble for his outspoken views, Ernest’s passion for justice and equality is inspiring.

    Guy Simon and Megan Wilding are stand-outs among an exceptional cast.
    Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir

    Ernest’s relationship with Milo (Nic English) highlights the solidarity and camaraderie among activists of the time.

    Cheryl’s boyfriend Michael (Mathew Cooper), though physically absent from the group for much of the play, is a constant presence in Cheryl’s thoughts. His letters from Vietnam add a poignant layer to the narrative.

    Officer Robinson (Bryn Chapman Parish) is a chilling reminder of the systemic racism and oppression faced by the Indigenous community. His menacing presence serves as a stark contrast to the warmth and joy shared by the main characters, highlighting the harsh realities of this era.

    By the end of the play, I felt involved in the lives of these characters, and as though I knew them – a credit to Williams’ writing and the phenomenal portrayal by each of the seven cast members.

    Continuing the fight

    The program includes a beautiful and personal reflection by Williams where she describes her family legacy as a major source of inspiration for the play.

    The various interwoven love stories are some of the most heart-wrenching, comical and sweetest moments of the play. But to solely describe it as a romantic comedy is to devalue the power of this work.

    Williams describes how she is from a long line of staunch Blak advocates who have continued to fight for sovereignty. This play is just the latest in her family’s long lineage of demonstrating resilience and survival.

    This play is just the latest in Williams’ long lineage of demonstrating resilience and survival.
    Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir

    Williams does not shy away from the reality of being Aboriginal in 1960s Redfern and handles moments with sophistication and grit. Scenes of police brutality and overt racial discrimination are portrayed with a raw honesty that is both confronting and enlightening.

    Big Girls Don’t Cry should be essential viewing as part of ongoing education efforts to truly highlight the reality of life at this time – many such struggles which continue today.

    The play is a powerful and moving tribute to the strength and resilience of Indigenous women. It is a celebration of their lives, their struggles, and their triumphs.

    Williams has crafted a play that is not only entertaining but also deeply meaningful, shedding light on a crucial period in Australian history: a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the past and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.

    While much has changed since 1966, the spirit of resistance and the quest for a better future remain as vital as ever.

    Big Girls Don’t Cry is at Belvoir Theatre, Sydney, until April 27.

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

    – ref. Big Girls Don’t Cry is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and comical celebration of Indigenous resilience and survival – https://theconversation.com/big-girls-dont-cry-is-a-powerful-heart-wrenching-and-comical-celebration-of-indigenous-resilience-and-survival-254291

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How common are errors in IVF labs? Can they be prevented?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karin Hammarberg, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University

    KateStudio/Shutterstock

    The news of a woman unknowingly giving birth to another patient’s baby after an embryo mix-up at a Brisbane IVF lab has made headlines in Australia and around the world. The distress this incident will have caused to everyone involved is undoubtedly significant.

    A report released by Monash IVF, the company which operates the Brisbane clinic, states it “adheres to strict laboratory safety measures (including multi-step identification processes) to safeguard and protect the embryos in its care”.

    It also says the company’s own initial investigation concluded the incident was “the result of human error”.

    An independent investigation will follow which presumably will shed light on how human error could occur when multi-step identification processes are in place.

    On a broader level, this incident raises questions about how common IVF errors are and to what extent they’re preventable.

    The booming IVF industry

    Because people have children later in life than they used to, some struggle to conceive and turn to assisted reproductive technologies. These include in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) which both involve handling of sperm and eggs (gametes) in the laboratory to form embryos. If there’s more than one embryo available after a treatment cycle, they can be frozen and stored for later use.

    Increasingly, assisted reproductive technologies are also being used by single women, same-sex couples, and women who freeze their eggs to preserve their fertility.

    For these reasons, the fertility industry is booming. In 2022 there were more than 100,000 assisted reproductive treatment cycles performed in Australian fertility clinics, up more than 25% on the number of cycles performed in 2017.

    Regulation of the IVF industry

    In Australia, the IVF industry is more regulated than in many other parts of the world.

    To operate, clinics must be licensed by the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee and adhere to its code of practice.

    In relation to storage and accurate identification of embryos, the code states clinics must provide evidence of the implementation and review of:

    Policies and procedures to identify when, how and by whom the identification, matching, and verification are recorded for gametes, embryos and patients at all stages of the treatment process including digital and manual record-keeping.

    The code further states clinics must report serious adverse events to the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee. The list of what’s considered a serious adverse event includes any incident that “arises from a gamete or embryo identification mix up”.

    Clinics must also adhere to the National Health and Medical Research Council’s ethical guidelines on the use of reproductive technology in clinical practice and research.

    Lastly, states and territories have laws that regulate aspects of the IVF industry such as requirements to report adverse events and other data to state authorities.

    Thousands of pregnancies in Australia each year are conceived using assisted reproductive technologies.
    Lee Charlie/Shutterstock

    In the United Kingdom, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority regulates the IVF industry and requires clinics to report adverse incidents. These are reported as grade A, B or C, where A is the most serious and involves
    “severe harm to one person, or major harm to many”. Data on adverse incidents is reported in a publicly available annual report.

    In the United States, however, the IVF industry is largely unregulated, and clinics don’t have to report adverse incidents. However, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine states clinics should have rigorous procedures to prevent the loss, damage, or misdirection of gametes and embryos and have an ethical obligation to disclose errors to all impacted patients.

    How common are IVF errors?

    There’s no global data on IVF errors so it’s not possible to know how common they are. But we learn about some of the more serious incidents when they’re reported in the media.

    While the recent embryo mix-up is the first known incident of this nature in Australia’s 40-year IVF history, we have seen reports of other errors in Australian clinics. These include the alleged use of the wrong donor sperm, embryos being destroyed due to contamination, and inaccurate genetic testing which resulted in the destruction of potentially viable embryos.

    In the UK, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s most recent report states there was one Grade A incident in 2023–24. This was the first Grade A incident reported since 2019–20 when there were two.

    In the US, some notable errors include storage tank malfunctions in two clinics which destroyed thousands of eggs and embryos.

    Lawsuits have also been filed for embryo mix-ups. In a 2023 case, a woman from Georgia delivered a Black baby even though she and her sperm donor are both white. The biological parents subsequently demanded custody of the child. Despite wanting to raise him the woman who had given birth gave up the five-month-old boy to avoid a legal fight she couldn’t win, she said.

    In the US, some argue most errors go unreported because reporting is not mandated and due to the absence of meaningful regulation.

    There’s no global data on IVF errors, so we don’t know how common they are.
    SeventyFour/Shutterstock

    Are IVF errors preventable?

    Despite Australia’s stringent regulation and oversight of the IVF industry, an incident with far-reaching psychological and potentially legal consequences has occurred.

    Until the independent investigation reveals how “human error” caused this mix-up, it’s not possible to say what additional measures Monash IVF should take to ensure this never happens again.

    An IVF laboratory is a high-pressure environment, and any investigation should look at whether staffing levels are adequate. Staff training is also relevant, and it’s essential all junior lab staff have adequate supervision.

    Finally, perhaps Australia should adopt the UK’s model and make data about adverse events reported to the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee available to the public in an annual report. To reassure the public, this report could include what measures clinics take to avoid the errors happening again.

    Karin Hammarberg is affiliated with Monash University, which is not connected with Monash IVF and the incident mentioned in the article.

    – ref. How common are errors in IVF labs? Can they be prevented? – https://theconversation.com/how-common-are-errors-in-ivf-labs-can-they-be-prevented-254382

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Draft Stage 2 Heritage Study for the former Shire of Huntly opens for feedback

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The City of Greater Bendigo has prepared a draft Stage 2 Heritage Study for the former Shire of Huntly, which is now open for public consultation.

    The former Shire of Huntly covered areas including Ascot, Bagshot, Drummartin, Elmore, Epsom, Fosterville, Goornong, Kamarooka and parts of Huntly, East Bendigo and Longlea.

    Stage 1 of the study was completed in 2021 and community members shared valuable local knowledge about the former Shire of Huntly, provided photographs, stories and records that have helped to fill in historical details for places or precincts with potential significance.

    Topics included events that confirmed the significance of building periods within the area, the establishment of community and social infrastructure (including health, sporting, and social places), and the development of distinct phases of housing, including early settlement, early mining, and agriculture.

    Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge said a draft Stage 2 Heritage Study was the next step in the project.

    “The Stage 2 draft goes a lot further and includes detailed assessments of places and precincts that were identified as part of the Stage 1 of the study. This determines their heritage significance according to a set of recognised criteria,” Mr Petherbridge said.

    “This draft study makes recommendations for applying the Heritage Overlay to places found to be of local significance, and one place which may meet the threshold for state significance.

    “Community members and businesses are invited to attend one of three engagement drop-in sessions to provide feedback on the draft study.

    Feedback will help the City understand if any changes are needed before the draft is presented to a future Council meeting for adoption.“

    City staff will be available to answer questions about the recommended Heritage Overlay for properties and areas that have been identified in the draft study as places of significance in the former Shire of Huntly.

    “Community members are encouraged to register for a 15-minute appointment at one of the information sessions.”

    Owners and occupiers with properties identified through the study will also receive a letter about the findings and any potential impacts on their property.

    Three information drop-in sessions are taking place in May:

    • Session 1: Elmore Community Hub, 1pm to 5pm on Thursday May 1, 2025
    • Session 2: Huntly Memorial Hall, 1pm to 4pm on Thursday May 8, 2025
    • Session 3: Goornong Memorial Hall, 5pm to 7pm on Monday May 12, 2025

    Public consultation closes on Sunday May 18.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Te Punga taonga: A tribute to Te Maanukanuka o Hoturoa

    Source: Auckland Council

    Dawn broke, Te Punga was revealed.

    On a crisp March morning, as the first light of day gently spread across the sky, the quiet anticipation of the crowd filled the air. The soft glow of dawn illuminated the space, casting long shadows across the ground, creating a serene atmosphere as the Te Punga sculpture was unveiled.

    The moment was simple, yet profound, connecting the past and present while honouring the land and its cultural significance.

    The Anchor. Image: Simon Runting.

    Te Punga, created by Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua artist Pāora Puru and sculptor Chris van Doren, stands as a stunning public taonga.

    Dawn blessing by mana whenua. Image: Simon Runting.

    The sculpture, meaning “The Anchor” – symbolises a waka anchor, as a reference to the area being a traditional waka trading route, was revealed in a ceremony that included Māngere College students, Mana Whenua, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, Watercare and local community members.

    The inscription on the sculpture helps the public understand its meaning and significance. Image: Simon Runting.

    Board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich says, “The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board area is blessed with strong mana whenua and mataawaka organisations, whose support helps nurture and celebrate our community. It’s truly special to have Mana Whenua share our Māori history and stories in public spaces, honouring our rich Māori identity. We are also home to local heritage sites like Ōtuataua Stonefields, Te Pane o Mataoho Māngere Mountain, and Pūkaki Crater, so it’s wonderful to add Te Punga to this.”

    The sculpture, crafted from basalt rock excavated during the Watercare Central Interceptor tunnel project, was transformed by Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua artist Pāora Puru and sculptor Chris van Doren.

    The raw basalt was taken to Chris’s studio at the Pacifica Arts Centre in West Auckland to be shaped.

    Te Punga honours the cultural significance of Te Maanukanuka o Hoturoa (the Manukau Harbour) to the Waiohua iwi. It symbolises the many waka (canoes) that once anchored in these waters, serving as a vital link for people through transport, trade, and tradition.

    L-R: Sculptor Chris van Doren, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua artist Pāora Puru and board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich.

    The sculpture can be found at the corner of Creamery Road and Greenwood Road, by the Māngere Lagoon, Māngere Bridge (near Māngere Domain).

    A deeply meaningful and solemn moment at the dawn blessing and unveiling of Te Punga. Image: Simon Runting.

    Stay up to date 

    Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. Or follow us on Facebook.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ageas reaches agreement with Bain Capital to acquire esure and establish a top-3 UK personal lines platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ageas reaches agreement with Bain Capital to acquire esure and establish a top-3 UK personal lines platform

    Ageas and Bain Capital agree GBP 1.295 billion (EUR 1.510 billion) cash transaction for esure
    Combination creates multi-channel motor and home insurer with broad customer appeal across the UK

    Ageas announces today that it has reached an agreement with Bain Capital to acquire esure 1, a leading digital personal lines insurer with strong positioning on price comparison websites (PCW) in the UK. The proposed transaction is fully aligned with Ageas’s strategic priorities for M&A in Europe under Elevate27. It increases Ageas’s European markets presence through the acquisition of a controlled entity, reinforces its positioning in the UK, generates shareholder value from the realisation of synergies and enhances the cash generation of the Group.

    The combination of Ageas UK and esure will create the third largest UK personal lines platform with a balanced and diversified distribution spanning Direct, PCW, brokers and partnerships. The acquisition of esure will enable Ageas UK to accelerate the diversification of its distribution strategy into the important PCW channel in the UK market. Its underwriting footprint will widen Ageas UK’s target customer demographics and enable growth to a top-line of GBP 3.25 billion (EUR 3.8 billion) by 2028.

    Ageas UK has established itself as an accomplished insurer over the past four years by focusing on profitable growth solely in the personal lines business with a specialism in broker distribution, outstanding technical insurance skills and technology, and successfully delivering insurance solutions for its distribution partners and over 4 million customers.

    esure is a leading UK personal lines insurer with a fully digital distribution model through the PCW channel and three popular brands – esure, Sheilas’ Wheels and First Alternative. In 2024, esure had more than 2.1 million policies and GWP of GBP1 billion (EUR 1.2 billion).

    The acquisition of esure creates significant potential for operational synergies and capital benefits to be realised in the medium term. We expect economies of scale in our UK personal lines portfolio and the accelerated implementation of the EIS IT platform, including esure’s complementary claims module, to drive operational efficiencies and cost avoidance for Ageas UK. Continued focus on technology, data and AI is expected to create further competitive advantages. In addition, capital benefits from enhanced diversification and the inclusion of esure in Ageas’s partial internal model are expected to emerge over time.

    Under the terms of the transaction, Ageas will pay Bain Capital a cash consideration of GBP 1.295 billion (EUR 1.510 billion) for esure, respecting a Solvency II target ratio of 150% as at year-end 2024. The Group’s capital position will remain robust with Solvency II ratio expected to decrease by approximately only 10pp thanks to the inclusion of around EUR 1 billion of Own Funds instruments in the financing mix.

    The transaction will be financed through a combination of surplus cash and newly issued senior and hybrid debt and/or equity within the existing authorisations and subject to market conditions. A fully underwritten 2-year bridge facility is provided by BofA Securities and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A..

    The integration of Ageas UK and esure is anticipated to be completed, in all material respects, during the Elevate27 strategic cycle. Entering the next strategic period, we project that the transaction will generate a full cost saving potential in excess of GBP 100 million (c. EUR 115 million) per annum, before tax. On a run-rate basis, this transaction is expected to generate an unlevered return on investment of over 12% for Ageas and an uplift in the Return on Equity of more than 1pp. It will become Holding Free Cash Flow accretive per share of c. 10% as from 2028.

    The completion of the transaction is expected to occur in 2H 2025 and remains subject to regulatory approvals.

    Commenting on the agreement, Hans De Cuyper, Ageas Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement to acquire esure. In recent years, Ageas has experienced significant growth in the UK, making it an increasingly important part of the Group. This transaction will allow us to offer competitive value propositions to a wider customer profile via a multi-channel distribution model, positioning Ageas UK as one of the top three personal lines insurers. Acquiring esure also supports our strategic ambitions of re-balancing our Group profile towards businesses with high cash conversion. We remain, of course, committed to our Elevate27 financial objectives, including our commitment to a progressive dividend policy, and will observe the full synergies of this transaction in the forthcoming strategic period.”

    Ant Middle, Ageas UK CEO, said: “esure is a significant addition to the Ageas UK business and aligns perfectly with our growth strategy. As demand for motor and home insurance grows, Ageas will be perfectly positioned to gain market share and become the insurer of choice for our existing and new customers. The combined Ageas and esure franchise will benefit from an outstanding customer offering, through market leading technology and prominent brands, that will drive our expansion into new customer demographics. Under Elevate27, we want to continue to grow our broker and partnerships personal lines business in the UK, and esure will help us to rapidly expand our direct distribution, our customer reach, and our scale overall. esure’s technical capabilities will match Ageas UK’s and will enable us to develop our well-balanced business at greater pace and serve a wider range of customers. We’re really excited for the potential this brings our UK business and wider Group.”

    David McMillan, esure Group CEO, said: “This transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses and creates an even stronger platform for continued innovation, growth and excellent delivery for our customers. Combining Ageas’s scale, financial strength and excellent broker relationships with esure’s strong retail brands, market-leading data capabilities and strength on PCWs, alongside a shared technology platform, will enhance our combined ability to invest in our customer proposition and open up new opportunities for growth. I am deeply proud of what the esure team has achieved to date. We look forward to working alongside the Ageas team to build the UK’s leading personal lines insurer.”

    Luca Bassi, Partner at Bain Capital, said: “We are pleased to have supported esure through its transformation and growth journey. During our ownership, esure has built the leading tech platform in UK insurance and their highly efficient operations have set a new standard for the industry. This transaction is a testament to esure’s strong market position and the state-of-the-art technology platform built under Bain Capital’s tenure, with the business now at record levels of profitability. We are confident that Ageas is the right partner to continue this legacy of success and innovation.”

    BofA Securities is acting as financial adviser and Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP is acting as legal counsel to Ageas in relation to the transaction.

    Fenchurch Advisory Partners LLP and Goldman Sachs International served as financial advisers to Bain Capital and esure. Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP served as legal adviser and Norton Rose Fulbright LLP served as regulatory adviser to Bain Capital and esure.

    Further information:

    For Ageas

    Michaël Vandenbergen, Ageas, michael.vandenbergen@ageas.com, +3225575736

    Chris Sibbald / James Leviton, FGS Global, ageas-uk@fgsglobal.com, +447855955531

    For Bain Capital

    Sean Palmer, Camarco, baincapital@camarco.co.uk, +447591760844

    For esure group

    esure@teneo.com

    For analysts:

    An analyst meeting regarding this transaction will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 am CET (9:00 to 10:00 am UKT). The Teams call can be accessed using the following link: https://ageas.com/en/esure-2025

    Note to editors:

    To support its expansion, in 2024 Ageas UK announced a partnership with Saga, growing its offering to the over-50s segment, which is strategically in line with Ageas’s focus on an ageing population.

    Ageas is a listed international insurance Group with a heritage spanning of 200 years. It offers Retail and Business customers Life and Non-Life insurance products designed to suit their specific needs, today and tomorrow, and is also engaged in reinsurance activities. As one of Europe’s larger insurance companies, Ageas concentrates its activities in Europe and Asia, which together make up the major part of the global insurance market. It operates successful insurance businesses in Belgium, the UK, Portugal, Türkiye, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries and long-term partnerships with strong financial institutions and key distributors. Ageas ranks among the market leaders in the countries in which it operates. It represents a staff force of about 50,000 people and reported annual inflows of EUR 18.5 billion in 2024.

    esure Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of Motor and Home insurance products through the esure, Sheilas’ Wheels and First Alternative brands. Founded in 2000, esure Group has the scale, heritage and expertise capable of inspiring the trust and confidence of their 2.1m customers, combined with the entrepreneurial mindset and agility of an insurtech. esure Group is focused on using their market-leading technology platform, insights and data, alongside fantastic customer service, to deliver more personalised experiences that meet the evolving needs and expectations of customers.

    Founded in 1984, Bain Capital is one of the world’s leading private investment firms. The firm has a significant history in Europe, starting with the establishment of a London office in 2000 and expanding to include other European locations, with a focus on private equity, credit and special situations investments. We are committed to creating lasting impact for our investors, teams, businesses, and the communities in which we live. As a private partnership, we lead with conviction and a culture of collaboration, advantages that enable us to innovate investment approaches, unlock opportunities, and create exceptional outcomes. Our global platform invests across five focus areas: Private Equity, Growth & Venture, Capital Solutions, Credit & Capital Markets, and Real Assets. In these focus areas, we bring deep sector expertise and wide-ranging capabilities. We have 24 offices on four continents, more than 1,850 employees, and approximately $185 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.baincapital.com. Follow @BainCapital on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

    Bank of America Europe DAC (“BofA Securities”) is acting as financial adviser exclusively for Ageas and for no one else in connection with the transaction and will not be responsible to anyone other than Ageas for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to the transaction or any other matters referred to in this announcement.

    1 Under the terms of the transaction, Ageas will acquire 100% of the issued and to be issued share capital of Blue (BC) Topco Limited, a holding company for esure Group plc and its subsidiaries.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China issues 9.78 trillion yuan in new loans in first 3 months

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China issued 9.78 trillion yuan (1.36 trillion U.S. dollars) in new yuan-denominated loans in the first three months of 2025, central bank data showed on Sunday.

    At the end of March, outstanding yuan loans amounted to 265.41 trillion yuan, up 7.4 percent year on year, according to the People’s Bank of China.

    In the first quarter, household loans increased by 1.04 trillion yuan. Loans to enterprises increased by 8.66 trillion yuan, of which medium and long-term loans increased by 5.58 trillion yuan.

    The M2, a broad measure of money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, increased by 7 percent year on year to 326.06 trillion yuan at the end of last month.

    The M1, which covers cash in circulation, demand deposits and clients’ reserves of non-banking payment institutions, stood at 113.49 trillion yuan at the end of March, up 1.6 percent year on year.

    In the first three months, China’s yuan-denominated deposits increased by 12.99 trillion yuan, with household deposits accounting for 9.22 trillion yuan of this rise.

    At the end of March, the total social financing stock in China reached 422.96 trillion yuan, marking an 8.4 percent increase from the previous year.

    During the first three months, the newly added social financing amounted to 15.18 trillion yuan, representing a 2.37 trillion yuan increase from the corresponding period of the prior year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong’s InnoEX 2025 draws record global exhibitors, spotlights low-altitude economy

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The third edition of InnoEX, a four-day innovation and technology expo, kicked off in Hong Kong on Sunday, spotlighting cutting-edge advancements in AI, robotics, low-altitude economy, cybersecurity, and smart mobility.

    Co-organized by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event aims to foster global collaboration in tech innovation, focusing on the theme of “Innovate, Automate and Elevate”.

    Sun Dong, secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said the expo brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders worldwide through exhibitions, networking sessions, and seminars, creating opportunities for international partnerships.

    HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong said this year’s InnoEX features over 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, including first-time participants such as Australia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside expanded showcases from Japan, Thailand, and the UK.

    Running concurrently, the 21st Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) focuses on smart home solutions, health tech, and wearable devices.

    As core events of Hong Kong’s International I&T Business Week 2025, the twin expos have drawn more than 2,800 exhibitors from 29 countries and regions.

    Ida Liu, marketing director of Seagull (Suzhou) Flying Car Limited, said in an interview that the company is leveraging Hong Kong’s global connectivity to expand its international presence and explore partnerships.

    Derek Chim, head of Startup Ecosystem and Development at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), said the InnoEX has become a flagship innovation and technology exhibition in Asia, attracting industry experts, investors and buyers from around the world.

    “We will seize this opportunity to accelerate the expansion of tech enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region and global markets,” he added.

    The expo also features four themed days, each hosting forums on trending tech topics, further enriching the exchange of ideas. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s courier sector sees robust growth in parcel handling

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s express delivery volume has surpassed 50 billion parcels as of April 11 this year, reaching the milestone 18 days earlier than in 2024, according to data released by the State Post Bureau on Saturday.

    The figure translates to roughly 35 packages per person so far this year, with around 500 million parcels crisscrossing the country each day.

    A series of pro-consumption policies has supported steady growth in consumer spending, fueling continued expansion in the express delivery market, the bureau said.

    Under the country’s consumer goods trade-in initiative, 100.35 million new home appliances were sold by April 10, driving the surge in parcel volumes.

    Local specialties are reaching broader markets at a faster pace. For instance, Yunnan coffee is now served in coffee shops across the country, Zhejiang’s tea is being enjoyed nationwide, and seasonal agricultural products such as spring bamboo shoots and ornamental plants are reaching consumers more swiftly, thanks to improved logistics and spring promotions from e-commerce platforms, the bureau said.

    The robust growth in parcel deliveries reflects a steadily recovering consumer market, accelerated industrial upgrading, and a stable, improving economy, said Liu Jiang, an expert with the Development Research Center of the bureau.

    In 2024, China’s express delivery sector handled more than 174.5 billion parcels and generated over 1.4 trillion yuan (about 193 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue, marking year-on-year increases of 21 percent and 13 percent, respectively. The country has maintained its position as the world’s largest express delivery market for 11 consecutive years.

    Looking ahead, as pro-consumption policies continue to take effect and new growth drivers gather momentum, the courier sector is expected to further facilitate the smooth flow of economic activity and enhance the efficiency of the real economy, injecting stronger momentum into high-quality development, the bureau said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Take eggs-tra care on the water

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Back-to-back Easter and Anzac Day long weekends will see officers from South Australia Police (SAPOL) continue working with partner agencies as part of ongoing water safety operations.

    An increase in people enjoying a variety of waterways is egg-spected over the period, with police and Marine Safety Officers ramping up patrols across inland and coastal locations coinciding with school holidays.

    “We encourage the public to make the most of the warm weather and enjoy our waterways, but they must do so safely,” Senior Sergeant Darian Leske from SAPOL’s Water Operations Unit said.

    “Police will be working with our partner agencies to ensure everyone is acting responsibly while on the water, by detecting breaches of the Harbours and Navigation Act.

    “We will be conducting safety equipment checks and random alcohol and drug testing of boat operators, observers and skiers, because as on land, a blood alcohol limit of 0.05 applies.”

    From 27 December 2024 to 3 February 2025, Operation Riversafe saw 205 vessel checks by police alone, 204 alco tests, 115 drug tests, 28 cautions, eight expiations and six reports (four positive drugs, two prescribed concentration of alcohol). Marine Safety Officers also support this operation.

    In addition to having a road safety operation in place, SAPOL is also mindful avoidable water tragedies can occur when risks are taken.

    “While South Australians are being asked to ‘keep it sweet on the road’ this Easter, let’s also keep it sweet on the water,” Senior Sergeant Leske urged.

    “Alcohol or drugs and water don’t mix. An incident at Mannum over the Australia Day long weekend is a prime example of this.”

    Failing to carry appropriate safety equipment, misuse of or not carrying lifejackets, outdated flares, unregistered vessels and exceeding speed limits were the top five non-compliance issues among water users last Easter period.

    “It only takes a moment to put a lifejacket on, but not wearing one on the water when trouble strikes can cost your life in an instant,” Gordon Panton, Manager Marine Safety and Compliance at the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, said.

    “More than one third of the vessels we checked last Easter on coastal waters and at boat ramps were non-compliant, with misuse of or not carrying lifejackets among the most common issues.

    “Boaties and holidaymakers are reminded to check their lifejackets are to standard, fit well, and are in good working condition, that they are operating safely and keeping to speed limits around other water users, and they have the right safety equipment on board.”

    Since 1 January 2025, older standard lifejackets have no longer been acceptable to use, and jackets must now meet the AS 4758 standard.

    Fisheries will also have an on-water and on-land presence across the entire state over the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, and officers will be especially checking compliance with the no take zones for snapper over the period.

    “We ask that fishers adhere to size and bag limits and fishing gear regulations and are encouraged to access the Rec Fishing App or the PIRSA website for further information,” Gary Darter, acting General Manager Operations Support at PIRSA, said.

    “To combat the spread of the Abalone virus AVG, decontamination protocols apply to fishing devices and boats, especially those operating from the Murray Mouth to the Victorian Border.

    “Remember, Check, Clean and Dry.  Full details are also on the PIRSA website.

    “If you see anything unusual, please report any concerns to Fishwatch on 1800 065 522.”

    Plus, don’t forget:

    * Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

    * Slow your vessel to 4 knots when near other boats, ramps, jetties, swimmers, surfaces and the shore.

    * Keep your keys in a safe location. Do not hide them in your car, caravan or boat.

    * Remove fishing rods, tackle boxes and eskies from boats and trailers when not in use.

    * Securely attach trailers and boats to a vehicle or a solid fixture when not in use.

    * Be aware of water safety issues at the beach or at the river including rips and currents, maritime safety and the dangers of marine life.

    * Never leave valuable items unattended or under a beach towel. Use a watertight container or leave your items secured in your holiday home.

    For more information on boating rules and regulations, visit: South Australian boating safety handbook (marinesafety.sa.gov.au)

    Report any suspicious behaviour to SAPOL by calling 131 444.

    Gordon Panton, Manager Marine Safety and Compliance at the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Senior Sergeant Darian Leske from SAPOL’s Water Operations Unit and Gary Darter, acting General Manager Operations Support at PIRSA at North Haven Marina today, sharing a school holiday water safety message.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Clorox ordered to pay $8.25m in penalties for misleading ‘ocean plastic’ claims about certain GLAD products

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The Federal Court today ordered Clorox Australia Pty Ltd (Clorox) to pay a total penalty of $8.25 million for making false or misleading representations to consumers that certain GLAD kitchen and garbage bags were partly made of recycled ‘ocean plastic’, following court action by the ACCC.

    Clorox admitted that, between June 2021 and July 2023, it breached the Australian Consumer Law by representing on the packaging of its GLAD to be GREEN “50% Ocean Plastic Recycled” Kitchen Tidy Bags and Garbage Bags products that the products were made of at least 50 per cent recycled plastic waste collected from the ocean or sea, when this was not the case. More than 2.2 million products were supplied in this packaging over this period.

    Rather, the products were made from about 50 per cent plastic waste which had been collected from communities in Indonesia with no formal waste management systems, situated up to 50 kilometres from a shoreline, and otherwise from non-recycled plastic, processing aid and dye.

    “Claims about environmental benefits matter to many consumers and may impact their purchasing behaviour. When those claims are false or misleading, this is a serious breach of trust, as well as the Australian Consumer Law,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

    “This is also a significant matter because consumers have limited or no ability to independently verify the accuracy of the claims made on packaging and it also disadvantages competitors who are accurately communicating their environmental credentials.”

    “We consider this penalty is appropriate in this case where Clorox gave insufficient consideration to what ‘ocean plastic’ meant to an ordinary consumer, particularly in light of the blue colour and wave imaging on the packaging,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    The Court held that these features “connoted a relationship between the Products and the ocean” and the “reference to ‘green’ on the Packaging connoted environmental-friendliness”, and that these were “important contextual matters in assessing the contravening conduct”.

    It was also observed by the Court that “there is a particular societal harm that arises when conduct undermines consumers’ confidence in environmental claims”, adding that the “development of products that minimise adverse environmental impacts is beneficial” but “[e]nvironmental claims are useful for consumers only if they are accurate.”  

    Clorox was also ordered to set up an Australian Consumer Law compliance program, publish a corrective notice on its website, and pay part of the ACCC’s legal costs, among other orders.

    “While the ACCC encourages businesses to innovate and offer environmentally sustainable products, businesses need to be clear and accurate when making representations about them. We take allegations of greenwashing extremely seriously and will continue to monitor claims made by businesses and, where appropriate, will take enforcement action on misleading environmental claims,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

    Clorox cooperated with the ACCC during its investigation and the legal proceedings, made admissions, and agreed to make joint submissions with the ACCC to the Court, including on the appropriate total penalty and other orders.

    Clorox discontinued the products in July 2023, after it became aware the ACCC had started investigating, but before the ACCC commenced these proceedings.

    Examples of the misleading packaging

    Between June 2021 and about 13 November 2022, the packaging of Clorox’s small, medium, and large Kitchen Tidy Bags included the statements ‘50% Ocean Plastic Recycled Bags’, and ‘Made using 50% Ocean Plastic*’ around an image of a wave, overlaid on an image of a blue coloured waste disposal bag.

    The back of the packaging carried the following statements in smaller font:

    ‘These bags are made from 50% ocean recycled plastic, and have the trusted strength of Glad® to hold household waste on its way to landfill. Recycling ocean bound plastic reduces plastic pollution before it enters the ocean, helping to reduce pollution in waterways, save marine life and put an end to irresponsible waste.’

    ‘*Made using 50% ocean bound plastic that is collected from communities with no formal waste management system within 50 km of the shore line.’

    These statements were insufficient to dispel the false or misleading ocean plastic representation.

    From about 6 March 2022, Clorox began updating the packaging to include the statement ‘Made using 50% Ocean Bound Plastic*’ on the front of the packaging.

    Clorox also updated the statements, which appeared in small font on the back of the Kitchen Tidy Bags’ packaging as follows (changes in bold):

    ‘These bags are made from 50% ocean bound recycled plastic, and have the trusted strength of Glad® to hold household waste on its way to landfill. Recycling ocean bound plastic reduces plastic pollution before it enters the ocean, helping to reduce pollution in waterways, making the seas safer for marine life, and helping to put an end to irresponsible waste.’

    ‘*Made using 50% ocean bound recycled plastic that is collected from communities with no formal waste management system within 50 km of the shore line.’

    These changes were insufficient to dispel the false or misleading ocean plastic representation.

     Clorox discontinued the products in July 2023.

    Garbage Bags

    Between about May 2022 and July 2023, the packaging of its large and extra-large Garbage Bags included the statements ‘50% Ocean Plastic Recycled Garbage Bags’, and ‘Made using 50% Ocean Bound Plastic*’ around an image of a wave, overlaid on an image of a blue coloured waste disposal bag.

    The back of the packaging also carried two statements in smaller font, which sought to qualify the ocean plastic representation:

    ‘These strong garbage bags are made from 50% ocean bound recycled plastic, and have the trusted strength of Glad® to hold waste on its way to landfill. Recycling ocean bound plastic reduces plastic pollution before it enters the ocean, helping to reduce pollution in waterways, making the seas safer for marine life, and helping to put an end to irresponsible waste.’

    ‘*Made using 50% ocean bound recycled plastic that is collected from communities with no formal waste management system within 50 km of the shore line.’

    Again, this information was insufficient to dispel the false or misleading ocean plastic representation.

    Background

    Clorox supplies various consumer goods, including garbage bags and kitchen tidy bags, under the GLAD brand. The products subject to these proceedings were available in major retailers including Woolworths and Coles.

    In April 2024, the ACCC instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Clorox Australia Pty Limited.

    In December 2023, the ACCC released its guidance on making environmental claims for businesses, which explains business’ obligations under the Australian Consumer Law when they make environmental and sustainability claims. It also sets out what the ACCC considers to be misleading conduct and good practice when making such claims, to help businesses provide clear, accurate and trustworthy information to consumers about the environmental performance of their business.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eskom maintenance plan continues

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    While load shedding remains suspended due to a stable power system, Eskom says ongoing planned maintenance continues at high levels, with unplanned outages showing a year-on-year reduction of approximately 2.9%.

    “Emergency reserves are adequate and being used strategically to meet peak demand, while ongoing planned maintenance continues at 14.85% of generation capacity, marking a 3.8% increase compared to the same period last year,” Eskom said on Friday.

    The high level of planned maintenance aims to enhance fleet reliability for the anticipated increased peak winter demand while also ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.

    “Currently, 7 402MW of the generation capacity is under planned maintenance. The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), or unplanned outages, for the financial year-to-date (1 to 10 April 2025), stands at 28.50%, improving by an ~2.85% from 31.35% achieved in the same period last year.

    “Eskom has spent R3.6 billion on diesel over the past 30 days, (12 March to 10 April 2025) representing a 2.5% decrease compared to the previous 30-day period,” the power utility said.

    A total of 3 130MW will be returned to service before the evening peak on Monday, 14 April 2025, to further stabilise the grid.

    Key performance highlights:

    •    From 7 to 10 April 2025, average unplanned outages reduced to 13 105MW, showing a significant improvement of 1 691MW compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date (1 April 2025 until 10 April 2025) average unplanned outages stand at 13 578MW.
    •    As of Friday, unplanned outages have significantly decreased by 2 044MW, currently at 11 564MW compared to 13 608MW last week. The available generation capacity stands at 28 662MW, while tonight’s peak demand is forecasted at 26 788MW.
    •    The year-to-date Planned Capacity Loss Factor (planned maintenance) is 14.85%, approximately 3.8% higher than the 11.03% recorded during the same period last year, indicating an increase in planned maintenance activities.
    •    From 1 to 10 April 2025, the year-to-date EAF stands at 56.11%, slightly below compared to the same period last year (57.16%), mainly due to higher planned maintenance.
    •    Year-to-date (1 to 10 April 2025), Eskom spent approximately R1.34 billion on fuel for the Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) fleet, generating 228.33GWh. This is higher than the 64.09GWh generated during the same period last year. This is expected to decrease as maintenance activities begin to slow down.
    •    The OCGT load factor increased to 29.95% in the past week (4 to 10 April 2025), up from 22.69% recorded between 27 March to 3 April 2025. This is higher than the 9% recorded during the same period last year.
    •    Year-to-date (1 to 10 April 2025), the OCGT load factor is 27.87%, higher than last year’s figure of 7.82%.

    Eskom has urged the public to help prevent transformer overloads and related equipment failures, which can result in explosions and prolonged outages.

    “This can be achieved by avoiding illegal connections, purchasing electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors and ensuring that customers take responsibility for regularising their electricity usage. Eligible households are encouraged to register for free basic electricity with their local municipalities,” the power utility said.

    Any illegal activity impacting Eskom’s infrastructure should be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Police Minister to visit Mpumalanga drug labs following arrests 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Sunday, April 13, 2025

    Police Minster Senzo Mchunu is this afternoon expected to visit two drug laboratories and a warehouse which were discovered and shut down by the Hawks in Mpumalanga this week, said the Ministry of Police.

    In a statement, the Ministry said the Minister will be accompanied by the National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, together with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation National Head, (Dr./Adv) Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

    The discovery was made in Standerton.

    “Equipment and substances with an estimated value of R48 million and seven vehicles have been seized for further investigation. Nine suspects have been arrested,” said the Ministry ahead of Sunday’s visit.

    On Wednesday, the Hawks said that two suspects would appear in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court after the arrest of six Mozambican nationals.

    This as the Hawks’ Secunda based Serious Organised Crime investigation monitored the origin of drugs in Standerton after numerous cases of possession of drugs were reported. 

    “The task was successfully executed as two clandestine laboratories were clamped down within a week,” the Hawks said at the time.

    Additionally, a pressing machine and 35 buckets filled with powder and ready to be pressed into tablets were recovered.  –SAnews.gov.za 
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: 130 families lose homes in western Mongolia due to strong winds, dust storms

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    At least 130 families lost their homes in the western Mongolian province of Govi-Altai due to strong winds and dust storms, the country’s National Emergency Management Agency said Sunday.

    Meanwhile, roofs of around 17 apartments were taken down in the dust storms that hit the province on Saturday, the agency said.

    In addition, the dust storms disrupted power supply to some households, mainly in the western parts of the country, it added.

    Mongolia has a harsh continental climate as strong winds, snow and dust storms are common in spring.

    Climate change-related desertification is the main factor behind the increasing frequency of dust storms in Mongolia in recent years, according to the country’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

    Around 77 percent of Mongolia’s total territory has been affected by desertification and land degradation, according to official data.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ecological restoration brings economic return

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Photovoltaic panels are installed on a reclaimed area of Changxu coal mine in Narisong, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, in August, 2024. [Photo/China Daily]
    While renewable energy is playing an increasingly important role in China’s green energy transition, coal mining still exists in some areas. In these areas, the government and local industry are taking steps to reduce the environmental impact, improve sustainable development and increase economic gains for local people.
    In the coal-mining town of Narisong in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, locals say that not only is the air quality improving, but their wallets are getting fatter, too.
    The town of around 30,000 people has undergone five years of green reforms, which have seen its ecological landscape improve and economic growth increase.
    In Narisong’s 19 villages and two communities, collectives earned 14.4 million yuan ($2 million) in dividends last year alone, according to Hou Xianming, a member of the town’s Party committee and chairman of the town’s people’s congress.
    These dual gains stem from people-centered planning by the local government that started back in 2020. Back then, villages relying solely on mining struggled with unsustainable growth, while those without coal resources lagged behind. To holistically address ecological rehabilitation, sustainable industry development and income disparity, the government brought about the establishment of Juhe Industrial Co, Hou said.
    The Juhe enterprise would carry out work associated with mitigating the environmental impact of mining, funded by villages and communities, according to government regulations.
    The company also operates across sectors such as mine rehabilitation, environmental cleanup, equipment and land leasing, and waste management, said Hou.
    Su Haixia, an official in the Ordos bureau of natural resources, said that mining companies must allocate funds for ecological restoration to local stakeholders. “Taking the green mine construction project as an example, coal companies must establish restoration funds and deposit about 90 million yuan per 10 million tons mined,” Su said.
    Subject to government evaluations on ecological restoration, coal mining companies could handle the restoration work themselves, or outsource such projects to specialized contractors like Juhe Industrial Co. With professional teams and flexible local hiring, these collaborations have facilitated the reclamation of almost 10,000 hectares of land in the town, according to Hou.
    To date, Narisong has established 14 green mines — those that implement eco-friendly practices and technologies to reduce their environmental impact, with additional sites currently under evaluation, Hou said.
    Juhe Industrial Co has also created 198 stable jobs for local people in property services alone, boosting the average annual income by nearly 40,000 yuan for those people, according to Hou.
    “I was previously working in long-haul transportation far from home, but now I’ve been able to secure a job in my hometown, earning over 5,000 yuan a month with social security benefits — an opportunity I wholeheartedly cherish,” said Liu Meijun, a truck driver from Yangshita village in Narisong.
    Senior residents have also benefited. “Some villagers in their early 60s remain physically robust and mentally sharp and still seek employment, but urban companies reject them mainly based on age concerns,” said Hou. “However, we’ve chosen to hire them for suitable light work — enabling them to care for elderly parents at home while earning an income, a win-win for families and the community.”
    Last year, Juhe Industrial Co generated 200 million yuan in revenue with a net profit of 36 million yuan. A total of 10 percent of those profits go toward emergency assistance for residents affected by natural disasters or severe medical hardships, 40 percent go to village collective dividends and 50 percent for the company’s future development, according to Hou.
    On the land that has been revitalized and recovered, solar farms are being set up, as well as medicinal herb cultivation.
    A 1.95-billion-yuan 400-megawatt solar project has been established by Man Shi Group and Hanxia New Energy in Narisong. Occupying 652 hectares, the project leases 521 hectares from Wutumen village and 130 hectares from Wutugou village at 3,000 yuan per hectare, offering annual incomes of 1.56 million yuan and 390,600 yuan, respectively, for these communities.
    These new industries have generated around 500 local employment opportunities, according to Hou.
    “I work in the reclaimed area of Changxu coal mine, mainly maintaining and inspecting solar panels. After deductions for social security, I earn over 4,000 yuan a month. I also earn steady rental income from leasing my land to the companies — life keeps getting better and better,” said Nie Jianjun, a villager from Wutumen village in Narisong.
    Guided by government initiatives, villagers are enjoying diversified income streams ranging from collective equity dividends and wages to land rental money. Moreover, companies purchase saplings cultivated by locals for their land restoration efforts, with the profits from these sales further bolstering the community’s financial well-being, Hou added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 21 killed in Russian ballistic missile attack on Ukraine’s Sumy

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    At least 21 people were killed on Sunday morning in a Russian ballistic missile attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office said in a statement.

    The attack also left other 34 people injured, including five children, the statement added.

    The Sumy Regional Military Administration said that two ballistic missiles launched by Russian forces struck the city center, damaging residential and non-residential buildings.

    Rescue operations were still underway as of midday local time (0900 GMT).

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the international community to deliver a “firm” response to the attack.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema elected Gabon’s president

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Gabon’s Interior Minister Hermann Immongault declares the results of Gabon’s 2025 presidential election during a press conference in Libreville, Gabon, April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Gabon’s transitional leader Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has been elected president following Saturday’s vote, the Interior Ministry announced on Sunday.

    Nguema secured 90.35 percent of the total votes cast in the election, Interior Minister Hermann Immongault said.

    Nguema has served as Gabon’s transitional president since leading the 2023 coup that ousted former President Ali Bongo Ondimba.

    His main challenger, Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze, former prime minister under the Ondimba administration, came in second with about 3.02 percent of the vote, according to the minister.

    A total of 920,200 voters were registered, including more than 28,000 abroad. The voter turnout stood at 70.4 percent, said the minister.

    Saturday’s vote marked Gabon’s first presidential election since the coup, signaling the final stage of the country’s political transition and anticipated return to constitutional order.

    Nguema resigned from his military post in accordance with Gabon’s Electoral Code to contest the election.

    Other candidates included 2023 presidential contenders Axel Stophene Ibinga Ibinga and Thierry Yvon Michel Ngoma, both businessmen. The sole female candidate, businesswoman Zenaba Gninga Chaning, campaigned on a platform promoting population growth and the revival of traditional practices.

    Speaking on public television channel Gabon 24 late Saturday, Jean Eric Nziengui Mangala, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, noted the high voter turnout and said the election had taken place in a “calm and peaceful atmosphere.”

    According to a report released late Saturday by the Citizen Observers Network, a Gabonese civil society platform that oversaw the vote, 74 percent of observed polling stations opened on time, while 99 percent were properly equipped with voting materials.

    A total of 48 national and international observer missions, comprising about 2,450 observers, were accredited to oversee the electoral process, according to the ministry.

    Gabon’s new constitution, approved in a referendum in November 2024, sets the presidential term at seven years, renewable only once.

    Under the new electoral provisions, the president is elected through a two-round system. A candidate must secure an absolute majority of valid votes in the first round to win outright. If no candidate meets that threshold, a runoff is held between the top two contenders.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Daniel Noboa elected president of Ecuador

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Daniel Noboa, the incumbent president of Ecuador, was re-elected in the second round of the presidential election held Sunday for a four-year term, according to the initial results released by the National Electoral Council.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China major contributor to preserving Cambodia’s iconic Angkor: tourism minister

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

    PHNOM PENH, April 14 — China has been a major contributor to safeguarding, preserving and developing the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia’s Siem Reap province, Cambodia’s Tourism Minister Huot Hak said.

    The 401-square-km Angkor park, the kingdom’s most popular tourist destination, is home to 91 ancient temples, which had been built from the ninth to the 13th centuries.

    Key temples include the Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Chau Say Tevoda, Ta Keo, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, and Phnom Bakheng, among others.

    China had helped restore ruined temples in the park since 1997 by successfully restoring Chau Say Tevoda and Ta Keo. Currently, the Chinese experts have been restoring the Phimeanakas temple located inside the walled enclosure of the Royal Palace of the Angkor Thom.

    Hak said China took the lead in providing scholars, architectural experts, archaeologists, and technicians to help restore and preserve ruined temples in the Angkor park.

    “I’d like to thank the government and people of the People’s Republic of China for sacrificing time, physical and mental energies, materials and budget to help preserve, protect and restore ancient temples in Cambodia’s Angkor complex,” he told Xinhua in a recent interview.

    The minister praised the Chinese experts for helping restore ruined monuments in the Angkor park into their stunning original forms, saying that their great contributions were invaluable for the people of Cambodia.

    “I’d like to express my profound gratitude and record the merits of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese scholars, experts, and technicians in contributing actively to the mission of restoring, preserving and developing temples in this world heritage site,” he said.

    Hak said Cambodia has trust and confidence in China in helping restore the Phimeanakas temple within the Royal Palace of the Angkor Thom.

    He added that China’s aid has not only contributed to ensuring the sustainable development of ancient temples in the Angkor park, but also helped train Cambodian experts and archaeologists on the work of safeguarding and preserving ancient temples.

    The Angkor park attracted a total of 1.02 million international tourists in 2024, generating a gross revenue of 47.8 million U.S. dollars from ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise.

    Speaking of Cambodia-China cooperation in the tourism sector, Hak said China is also a key supporter for tourism development in the Southeast Asian country, adding that Chinese-invested mega-infrastructure projects, such as the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, have laid a solid foundation for the kingdom’s development of economy and tourism.

    Sharing his view on building a community with a shared future for mankind, Hak said any initiative launched by China always aims to provide common interest for the whole world and help make the world more harmonious with shared prosperity and common development.

    “Cambodia and other countries alike are really happy to welcome and fully support it because this initiative is global in nature for common interest and win-win results for all,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 14, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 14, 2025.

    Curious Kids: If you scoop a bucket of water out of the ocean, does it get lower?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dylan Irvine, Outstanding Future Researcher – Northern Water Futures, Charles Darwin University Lizzie Lamont/Shutterstock If you scoop a bucket of water out of the ocean, does it get lower? –Ellis, 6 and a half, Hobart This is a great question Ellis! The short answer is yes, but

    The Family Court could better protect Indigenous women and children, but there are barriers in the way
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heather Douglas, Professor of Law and Deputy Director of the Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), The University of Melbourne Shutterstock The family law system is crucial for protecting women and children nationwide. With its combination of judicial oversight, counselling and alternative

    Top unis have imposed new restrictions on campus protests. What does this mean for students, staff and democracy?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joo-Cheong Tham, Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne A wave of restrictions on protesting has been rippling through Australia’s top universities. Over the past year, all of Australia’s eight top research universities (the Group of Eight) have individually increased restrictions on campus protests. The changes

    Think your specialist is expensive? Look at what others are paying
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yuting Zhang, Professor of Health Economics, The University of Melbourne PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Seeing a medical specialist can leave you with significant out-of-pocket costs. Yet political parties have not adequately addressed this in their pre-election bids. Labor has promised A$7 million to expand the government’s Medical

    Most bike lanes in inner Melbourne have less than 40% tree cover – that’ll get worse, new maps show
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Judy Bush, Senior DECRA Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Unshaded cycling paths mean heat exposure on hot days, particularly for the afternoon commute. Judy Bush, CC BY Walking and cycling is good for people and the planet. But hot sunny days can make footpaths, bike lanes

    Strongmen, Daggy Dads and State Daddies: how different styles of political masculinity play into Australian elections
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Blair Williams, Lecturer in Australian Politics, Monash University Australian politics has historically been a male domain with an overwhelmingly masculine culture. Manhood and a certain kind of masculinity are still considered integral to a leader’s political legitimacy. Yet leadership masculinity changes along party lines. We are now

    Post-election tax reform is the key to reversing Australia’s growing wealth divide
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Hodgson, Professor, Curtin Law School and Curtin Business School, Curtin University Federal elections always offer the opportunity for a reset. Whoever wins the May 3 election should consider a much needed revamp of the tax system, which is no longer fit for purpose. The biggest challenge

    Productivity reform has been put in the too-hard basket for years. Here’s why leaders leave it alone
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lachlan Vass, Fellow, Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University National licensing of electricians has been one of the few productivity reforms of recent years. Shutterstock The federal election leaders’ and treasurers’ debates last week covered many topics: from Trump’s tariffs

    Newspoll steady but Albanese’s ratings jump; swing to Labor in marginal seats
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne A national Newspoll, conducted April 7–10 from a sample of 1,271, gave Labor a 52–48 lead, unchanged since the March 31 to April 4 Newspoll. Primary votes

    Fresh details emerge on Australia’s new climate migration visa for Tuvalu residents
    ANALYSIS: By Jane McAdam, UNSW Sydney The details of a new visa enabling Tuvaluan citizens to permanently migrate to Australia were released this week. The visa was created as part of a bilateral treaty Australia and Tuvalu signed in late 2023, which aims to protect the two countries’ shared interests in security, prosperity and stability,

    Labor and Coalition support for new home buyers welcome but other Australians also struggling with housing affordability
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Cull, Associate Professor, Western Sydney University doublelee/Shutterstock There is no denying housing reform is urgently needed in Australia to make housing more affordable and accessible to everyday Australians. Both major parties have now announced the incentives they are offering to help first-home buyers. While both Labor

    Voters have a clear choice. Labor’s long term and equitable tax reform or the Coalition’s big but one-off tax cuts
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Isaac Gross, Lecturer in Economics, Monash University Tang Yan Song The election campaign has erupted into a economic battleground as Labor and the Coalition unveiled major new tax policies at their campaign launches. Each policy package is aimed at addressing the mounting cost-of-living pressures facing millions of

    Election Diary: Liberal and Labor launches focus on housing, but who thinks either side can fix that crisis any time soon?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra If anyone had any doubts before, Sunday’s Liberal and Labor launches highlighted that this election is an auction for votes, in particular those of the under 40s and people in the outer suburbs. Amid the usual launch hoopla – the

    Accra is a tough city to walk in: how city planners can fix the problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Seth Asare Okyere, Visiting lecturer, University of Pittsburg and Adjunct Associate Professor, Osaka University, University of Pittsburgh Humans are walking beings. Walking is intrinsically linked to our physical development from childhood and enables our connections with people and places. We can say it is essential to our

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 13, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 13, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Draft Council Plan 2025-2029 released for public comment

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The draft Council Plan 2025-2029, outlining how Council will guide Greater Bendigo’s growth, development and wellbeing over the next four years, has been released for public comment.

    This important strategic document has been created following extensive consultation with the Greater Bendigo community, City partners, local stakeholder groups, and Greater Bendigo Councillors.

    Public consultation has included a community-wide survey, a series of focus groups, meetings with community representative groups, and information from the City of Greater Bendigo’s online engagement platform Let’s Talk and customer requests.

    In March 2025, the City hosted a community panel with 42 people participating in sessions over three days. The panel included people from over 20 local areas and many different ages, genders and backgrounds.

    Collectively, the panel produced community guidance for Councillors to use when making decisions on behalf of the whole community.

    The draft Council Plan is a comprehensive blueprint for improving and developing Greater Bendigo over the next four years and includes the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

    It outlines the 2025-2029 priorities and guides all detailed complementary documents, including the Revenue and Rating Plan, the Financial Plan, and the Annual Budget.

    The draft Council Plan is structured around four themes, linked to 12 goals and 34 priorities. The themes are:

    • Responsible – Running an effective, fair, and efficient organisation
    • Healthy – Protecting and improving our physical, mental, and environmental health
    • Thriving – Managing our growth, including businesses, housing, heritage, and creativity
    • Welcoming – Celebrating and including everyone in our community

    Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf encouraged the community to provide feedback on the draft Council Plan.

    “After months of engagement and plan development, it’s now time to check in with the community to make sure the draft Council Plan reflects the feedback received from the community,” Cr Metcalf said.

    “The Council Plan is an important document that will guide the work of Council and City staff over the next four years, investing in our future. It will provide a positive and exciting roadmap for Greater Bendigo.

    “We want to be on the right track before the draft Council Plan is put forward for consideration at a future Council meeting in 2025, so your feedback is important.

    “I wish to thank community members for their time and energy in providing input into this plan. Engagement was extensive, including in-person meetings and a comprehensive survey. A diverse and enthusiastic community panel, with representation from across the region, shared their top priorities on what they value most about living in Greater Bendigo, its challenges and how best to shape its future.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Family Court could better protect Indigenous women and children, but there are barriers in the way

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heather Douglas, Professor of Law and Deputy Director of the Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), The University of Melbourne

    Shutterstock

    The family law system is crucial for protecting women and children nationwide. With its combination of judicial oversight, counselling and alternative dispute resolution, the family court can offer meaningful support to parents in complex situations. But First Nations families may be missing out.

    We partnered with Women’s Legal Services Australia to prepare a new review. The review highlights that First Nations women may face barriers to accessing the family law system, especially when they have experienced family violence.

    Our research

    Family law courts in Australia handle matters such as where children live and who has contact with them. They also deal with finance and property disputes within families, and family violence.

    In our research, we reviewed the existing literature and family court cases to see how First Nations people have interacted with the family law system.

    While 7% of family court final order applications in 2023–2024 included a First Nations litigant, we suggest the family law system may be underutilised by Indigenous women. There are several factors that point to this.

    One is the rate of out-of-home care. First Nations children make up 44.5% of children in out-of-home care nationally. Engaging with the family law system may reduce these rates.

    Another is the prevalence of Indigenous families with a single parent. Nearly 45% of First Nations children under 15-years-old live in single-parent households.

    People in these households may need to negotiate safe contact arrangements for their children with other family members. The family law system can play an important role for these families.

    And we know family violence is present in 83% of parenting proceedings in the family courts. First Nations women are at a higher risk of family violence than non-First Nations women, often perpetrated by a non-First Nations partner. The family law system must take account of family violence when making orders.

    It therefore may be reasonable to expect a higher proportion of First Nations people to use the family law system. So what’s stopping them?

    Prior bad experiences

    Previous studies have focused on First Nations women’s experiences of child protection, criminal law and family violence protections orders.

    First Nations women may fear the family law system because of negative experiences with these other processes, including genuine fears about child removal.

    Research shows parts of the legal system often fail First Nations women who have experienced family violence.

    The family law system relies on people making their own application to enter the system. Prior bad experiences of other legal systems are likely to affect people’s willingness to use family law.

    Family law is different from other parts of the legal system. In criminal law and family violence protection orders, for instance, the state brings First Nations people into the legal system. This happens through police charging people, or police applying for family violence protection orders on behalf of a victim-survivor.

    We know in some civil law processes where the person must make the application, like debt recovery, First Nations people are less likely than non-First Nations people to report or make an application.

    Structural issues

    Child protection matters often overlap with family law matters. The law has changed to require child protection authorities to share information when the family courts request it.

    Agencies that support First Nations women are also required to report particular concerns to child protection authorities. These factors may contribute to First Nations women being reluctant to apply to the family law system for fear their children will be removed.

    In some research, interview participants referred to an “erosion of trust and disengagement of victims” from services as a result of mandatory reporting.

    Systemic racism, biases and discrimination identified in other legal systems may also affect First Nations women’s experiences in family law. This may lead them to disengage, or not engage the next time they have concerns about their children’s safety.

    When First Nations women who have experienced family violence do engage with the family law system, this is sometimes because their non-First Nations partner makes an application. When this happens, research suggests the family law system may give more weight to the non-First Nations party’s version of events.

    Improving the system

    The family law system is making efforts to improve access for First Nations people.

    There is now a requirement for family courts to consider how parenting arrangements will help Aboriginal children to remain in contact with culture, community, family, language and Country.

    Indigenous Family Liaison Officers are employed by family courts to support First Nations people in court.

    Indigenous Lists also exist in specific courts where cases involving First Nations parties are heard on a particular day and specialised support is available.

    We need to find out more about how effective these measures are and what else needs to change so the family law system can best support First Nations women.

    We also need to know more about how to support First Nations women in the family courts when the other party is a non-First Nations person. For most couples across Australia that include an Indigenous person, the other person is non-First Nations.

    The family law system holds real potential to be a proactive and protective pathway for more First Nations women concerned about their own safety and their children’s safety. Our continuing research hopes to show how this potential may be realised.

    13YARN is a free and confidential 24/7 national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Call 13 92 76.

    Heather Douglas receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Kyllie Cripps receives funding from the Australian Research Council for a number of projects she is involved with.

    Samantha O’Donnell receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Samantha O’Donnell also volunteers for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

    – ref. The Family Court could better protect Indigenous women and children, but there are barriers in the way – https://theconversation.com/the-family-court-could-better-protect-indigenous-women-and-children-but-there-are-barriers-in-the-way-253619

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Curious Kids: If you scoop a bucket of water out of the ocean, does it get lower?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dylan Irvine, Outstanding Future Researcher – Northern Water Futures, Charles Darwin University

    Lizzie Lamont/Shutterstock

    If you scoop a bucket of water out of the ocean, does it get lower?

    –Ellis, 6 and a half, Hobart

    This is a great question Ellis! The short answer is yes, but the change in water level will be extremely tiny. You can actually test this idea at home.

    For starters, you’ll need a glass of water and a teaspoon. Fill the glass almost to the top, and take note of the water level. Now, carefully remove a teaspoon of water. Can you see the difference in the water level? Maybe you can, but maybe not.

    You could repeat this experiment in the kitchen sink, or a bathtub if you have one. The key point is that the water level does drop, but only by a very small amount. If you scoop a teaspoon of water out of the bathtub, you probably won’t see the difference with the naked eye.

    Millions of buckets

    So, let’s return to the ocean. It’s truly huge, especially compared to a bucket.

    Let’s say that you have a bucket that fits ten litres. Using the information here, there are about 137 million, million, million buckets of water in the ocean (that is, all of Earth’s oceans combined).

    I crunched the numbers. If you took a bucket of water from the ocean, the water level would drop by around 0.0000000000277 millimetre. You can see how small a millimetre is on your school ruler. We don’t have anything on Earth that can measure anything this small. For example, this is way, way, way smaller than even a single atom.

    So, the more detailed answer to your question is: yes, the water level gets lower, but by such a small amount that we can’t even measure it.

    But wait, there’s more

    Earth is a really interesting place. When you take your bucket of water, all that water is moving through something called the water cycle.

    Sea levels are actually constantly changing. Each year, a lot of water evaporates from the ocean. Some of it is even lost to outer space.

    However, most of the evaporated water rains back down directly onto the ocean, or onto the ground, with that water making its way to rivers that eventually flow to the ocean. There is also a lot of water stored underground, and some of it makes its way to the ocean, as well.

    So, if you poured your bucket of water onto the ground, eventually it would end up back in the ocean via the water cycle!

    A few fun facts

    There’s a lot to know about water. Some more fun facts (and big numbers):

    1. There are 1,500,000,000,000,000,000 molecules of water (H₂O) in a single drop of water. That’s 1.5 million, million, million.

    2. The oldest water in the world is estimated to have fallen as rain more than 1.6 billion years ago.

    3. Most (about 98%) of the world’s fresh, liquid water is underground – that’s why it’s called groundwater.

    Dylan Irvine receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Cooperative Research Centre program, the National Water Grid Authority and the Ian Potter Foundation. This article is independent of these funded research activities.

    – ref. Curious Kids: If you scoop a bucket of water out of the ocean, does it get lower? – https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-if-you-scoop-a-bucket-of-water-out-of-the-ocean-does-it-get-lower-233249

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cook Islands Confucius Classroom celebrates int’l Chinese Language Day

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Confucius Classroom at the University of the South Pacific’s Cook Islands campus has marked International Chinese Language Day with a vibrant celebration featuring traditional crafts, music, and cuisine.

    The event offered an immersive cultural experience that highlighted the richness of the Chinese language and its cultural heritage through calligraphy, opera, and musical performances, organizers said Friday.

    The celebration began with a traditional prayer in the Cook Islands Maori language, honoring local customs. Participants then joined Chinese teachers in creating “Calligraphy Lacquer Fans.”

    Starting with elegant Chinese characters such as “Blessing,” “Benevolence and Harmony,” “Peace and Happiness,” and “Peace is Blessing,” guests practiced calligraphy on white paper fans before painting them with vibrant lacquer.

    The hands-on experience was followed by a captivating musical segment, which included performances of ancient Chinese songs and selections inspired by Peking Opera.

    Culinary culture also took center stage. A highlight for many was the Chinese stewed noodles, handmade on site by Chinese teacher Zhao Shuang, alongside hot pot dishes that delighted attendees.

    “I’m so happy to taste your hometown specialty noodles. They’re so unique and delicious,” one student told Zhao.

    Tutal Vakalalabure, a foreign service officer at the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, praised the event, saying it “gave us a sense of the true vitality of language and culture.”

    More than 20 students and their families from the Confucius Classroom took part in the celebration, held in recognition of United Nations Chinese Language Day, which is observed annually on April 20.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Musician couple promote cultural exchanges between China, Vietnam

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Dong Quang Vinh and his wife Mo Shuangshuang receive an interview with Xinhua at home in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Born into a Vietnamese family of musicians, Dong Quang Vinh was used to immersing himself in Chinese folk music in his childhood as his father often bought cassette tapes of Chinese music for him as gifts, thus developing an interest in China.

    During his study at China’s Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Vinh met Chinese pianist Mo Shuangshuang in 2006, who later married him and moved to live in Vietnam with him.

    To better promote music culture between the two countries, the couple found an orchestra in Hanoi and brought Vietnamese and Chinese folk music on stage many times. They also established a chorus composed mainly of internationals living in Vietnam to deepen people-to-people exchange through music.

    The couple now travel between China and Vietnam as part of their efforts to enhance understanding between the two peoples. To them, the most beautiful melodies come from the amity between the two neighboring countries.

    1   2   3   4   5   6   7   >  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The highs and lows of working in public housing support

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    After meeting Louise, Senior Director Tenant Experience at Housing ACT, it’s clear to see that she’s someone who is genuinely committed to helping people.

    “What fundamentally keeps me with housing is because I’m a real people person. There are lots of opportunities to engage with and support really wonderful and fascinating members of our community who have unique and interesting stories of their own,” she says.

    We have a dedicated staffing group that works tirelessly seven days a week to make sure we can be responsive to our clients. “But just like with any industry, there can be not-so-positive interactions. Particularly given current cost of living pressures and the importance of having stable housing” Louise says.

    “When there’s financial hardships or homelessness, sometimes clients can take those frustrations out on our staff. So that’s really hard when people are turning up, day after day, to do a job and they’re being abused. The staff have done nothing to deserve those levels of anger or frustrations or threats,” she says.

    “We would love nothing more than to house everyone straight away and not have waitlists, but unfortunately there is a supply and demand issue. And that can be terribly frustrating when you’re talking to and listening to members of the community who really are in dire straits. There are so many things that can be a pressure point in not having housing, so we certainly understand that.”

    As a born and bred Canberran who grew up with a single mother living in public housing, Louise understands firsthand the pressures faced by her clients. So when it came time to find a job, she jumped at the chance to give back to the community and work with the ACT Government in Housing Assistance – and 26 years on, she’s still there.

    “I just fell in love with the different roles and the work that we do in housing that supports so many members of the public,” says Louise.

    From an entry-level position, Louise has worked her way up, taking on a range of different roles, and now leads a team responsible for looking after tenants.

    “You get exposed to really diverse members of the community, and it’s really rewarding to support these people at times when they need that little bit of extra assistance with housing support, or if there’s a crisis in their current situation and to be able help them stabilise it, so you can see them excel in their lives.”

    Working in tenant experience is similar to working in property management, including managing rent accounts, inspections and complaints. But Louise says the main difference is they bring a “social landlord lens” and work hard to support people to sustain their tenancies.

    “A large amount of the work we do is understanding our tenants, their needs and looking to help them with what they need,” she says.

    Louise believes social housing can get a bad rap in the media and greater community, and she’s passionate about changing that narrative.

    “Sometimes it’s frustrating to me that we can’t tell all the good stories, because of privacy laws,” she says. “But there are a lot of good things we do behind the scenes that aren’t publicly known. For example, during heat waves, we call up older tenants to make sure they’re alright. And that’s resulted in us identifying a medical emergency and getting them assistance.”

    Louise says that due to the occupational violence experienced, Housing ACT have a range of measures in place to support and protect staff, like regular communication and specialist training programs. They’ve also introduced duress devices for frontline staff, and have a range of follow-up supports in place for staff if an incident occurs.

    But Louise says it really is only a few people who become aggressive.

    “We don’t want to stop people raising concerns or telling us what they think. But it’s about doing it in a way that’s not aggressive or violent towards us. You can express your dissatisfaction, but use the mechanisms available to you, like lodge a complaint.”

    “By far, tenants are lovely. So it’s one of those things where a handful can really ruin it,” she says.

    And as for her career, if you want to work somewhere where you really know you’re making a difference, Louise says working in housing assistance is incredibly rewarding, with a good mix between field work and office work.

    “For people who don’t see themselves stuck behind the desk from nine to five and love client engagement, there’s that real mix, and we have that flexibility,” she says.

    “If you like working in a team with people, and have value-driven outcomes, this would be the job for you. Every single day, I go home thinking, ‘I’ve done something today that has helped someone’.”

    * For personal privacy, surnames of interviewees have been removed.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Hainan FTP brings about broader opportunities through high-level opening up

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

    China’s Hainan FTP brings about broader opportunities through high-level opening up

    HAIKOU, April 13 — At the Yiling Life Care Center in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, patients are seen undergoing rehabilitation exercises under the guidance of therapists in a spacious, bright hall.

    In an equipment room, Damien Meunier, from France, is intently calibrating a therapy device, adjusting parameters and components with focused precision.

    Meunier first visited China in 2019 as a tourist and was soon drawn to the unique opportunities emerging in Hainan’s healthcare sector amid the rapidly developing Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). In 2021, he joined Yiling Life Care Center as a medical equipment engineer, based in Boao Township in south China’s Hainan Province.

    “The Hainan FTP is the ideal place for my career development,” said Meunier. “It combines opening-up policies, innovation, and exceptional life quality.”

    As China’s only “medical special zone,” the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, established in 2013, was granted special policy support that allows eligible pharmaceuticals and medical devices, licensed abroad but not yet available domestically, to be used for patients through streamlined procedures.

    The pilot zone is the epitome of Hainan’s role as a gateway for global openness.

    In April 2018, China announced a decision to develop Hainan into a pilot free trade zone while gradually exploring and steadily promoting the establishment of an FTP with Chinese characteristics. In June 2020, a master plan was rolled out to build the island into a globally influential and high-level FTP by the middle of the century.

    Seven years on, Hainan has built a policy framework centered on “free and convenient trade, investment, cross-border capital flows, personnel mobility and transportation, and the safe and orderly flow of data,” and an FTP system underpinned by features like zero tariffs, low tax rates, and simplified tax systems.

    Amid global headwinds against globalization, the Hainan FTP stands as China’s testament to unwavering openness.

    Official statistics show that by the end of 2024, the province was home to 9,979 foreign-funded enterprises, with 77.3 percent established after June 2020. The number of countries and regions investing in Hainan has jumped from 43 in 2018 to 174 today.

    As an important part of the Hainan FTP construction, Hainan has adopted a variety of measures to optimize its business environment to facilitate free and convenient trade and investment.

    “In alignment with the world’s highest standards of openness, Hainan has formulated and implemented a series of opening-up measures to create a ‘foreign investor-friendly’ business environment,” said Wang Xuehao, deputy head of the Hainan Provincial Department of Business Environment Development. “The measures include expanding the scale of innovative development in trade of goods, promoting two-way investment, and fostering cross-border industrial chain cooperation.”

    In the Haikou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, Hainan GoldMax Dairy Co., Ltd. has established an industrial park spanning over 50,000 square meters, integrating offshore duty-free retail, e-commerce, general trade and cross-border supplied materials processing, reflecting the company’s strong confidence in the potential of the Hainan FTP.

    “The Hainan Free Trade Port has provided us with vast development space and opportunities and helped us bring high-quality products to China and beyond,” said Wu Suguo, CEO of the dairy company.

    By the end of this year, the free trade port will officially begin independent customs operations, which will be “a form of openness on a larger scale,” said Zhao Jinping, a member of the Expert Advisory Committee for the Construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port. “It means the connectivity between the Hainan Free Trade Port and the rest of the world will become even smoother.”

    Currently, all 31 port infrastructure projects needed for independent customs operations have been completed, laying a solid foundation for efficient flow and supervision of goods and personnel.

    Meanwhile, as the Hainan FTP begins independent customs operations by the year’s end, its preferential policies such as “zero tariffs, low tax rates, and simplified tax systems” will be implemented more comprehensively and meticulously. A series of core free trade port policies are also expected to be accelerated for full implementation.

    According to Meunier, once the Hainan FTP begins independent customs operations, the advantages will become more evident in areas such as imported equipment, cutting-edge technologies, and international tourism. “I look forward to the future of the Hainan FTP.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Vietnam should uphold traditional friendship, jointly tackle global challenges, says Chinese ambassador

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

    China, Vietnam should uphold traditional friendship, jointly tackle global challenges, says Chinese ambassador

    HANOI, April 13 — China and Vietnam should uphold their traditional friendship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood” and join hands to tackle global challenges, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei has said.

    Such a bond is the most vivid reflection of the traditional friendship between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), and between the two countries, the ambassador told Xinhua in an interview ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming state visit to Vietnam from Monday to Tuesday.

    Standing at a new historical starting point, China and Vietnam should follow the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, and strengthen the foundation of their bilateral relations with high-level political mutual trust, high-quality practical cooperation and in-depth people-to-people exchanges, so as to inject more positive energy into regional and global peace, stability and development, he said.

    The ambassador said the two countries’ traditional friendship has laid a solid foundation for their struggles for national independence and liberation, and has also injected strong momentum into consolidating and deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperation, assuring the stability for both countries in responding to a complex and volatile international landscape.

    He noted that the top leaders of the two parties have in recent years maintained frequent interactions, charting the course for China-Vietnam relations. This has played a strategic role in advancing the relations between the two parties and the two countries, he added.

    Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, paid a historic visit to Vietnam in December 2023, during which the two sides announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, marking a new stage in their bilateral relations.

    To Lam, general secretary of the CPV Central Committee, visited China in his first overseas trip after taking office, further strengthening bilateral ties.

    The Chinese ambassador noted that China and Vietnam, as partners treading the path of reform and modernization, view each other’s development as a significant opportunity.

    With both countries jointly embarking on the new journey to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, their practical cooperation has also entered a fast track focusing on quality improvement and upgrading, He said.

    He pointed out that China was Vietnam’s largest trading partner for over 20 consecutive years, and for years Vietnam has been China’s largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

    Take agricultural products. The ambassador said that high-quality Vietnamese products such as coffee and fresh coconuts are highly popular among Chinese consumers, and over 90 percent of Vietnam’s durian exports go to China.

    Last year, China led in the number of newly registered investment projects in Vietnam, He said, noting that the Chinese-built Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line, Vietnam’s first urban light rail line, has provided convenience for local commuters, and the Chinese-invested Soc Son waste-to-energy plant processes 60 percent of Hanoi’s daily household waste.

    Emphasizing the people-to-people bond and strong cultural links between the two countries, He said leaders of the two parties agreed on making this year the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges to mark the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, reflecting their deep commitment and high expectations for reinforcing the foundation of public support in both countries.

    Through a series of activities, the bond between the two peoples will become even closer, and the public support for bilateral relations will become increasingly robust, said the ambassador.

    As the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century and is entering a new period of turbulence, the United States, in particular, has recently dealt a heavy blow to global and regional economic order by weaponizing tariffs to exert maximum pressure, He said.

    In the face of these challenges, the ambassador said China and Vietnam should deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperation and inject more certainty and stability into the region. This is not only an essential aspect of building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance but also a necessary step to promote regional cooperation and development, He said.

    MIL OSI China News –