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  • MIL-OSI: Dayforce Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results1

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dayforce® recurring revenue of $347.9 million, up 19% year-over-year in the fourth quarter

    Total revenue of $465.2 million, up 16% year-over-year in the fourth quarter

    Full year 2024 net cash provided by operating activities of $281.1 million, up 28%

    Annual Dayforce gross revenue retention rate of 98%

    MINNEAPOLIS and TORONTO, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dayforce, Inc. (“Dayforce” or the “Company”) (NYSE:DAY) (TSX:DAY), a global leader in human capital management (“HCM”) technology, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    “2024 was a year of outstanding progress and innovation for Dayforce. We launched the Dayforce brand, maintained our product positioning as leaders in HCM, and drove significant innovation to help our customers achieve their best work,” said David Ossip, Chair and CEO of Dayforce. “We are optimistic about 2025 as current and prospective customers continue to recognize the value the Dayforce platform provides as they streamline HCM processes and navigate compliance complexities.”

    “The fourth quarter of 2024 was the strongest sales quarter in our history – helping us close out a successful year with robust growth across both new business and add-on sales,” said Stephen Holdridge, President and COO of Dayforce. “We saw a healthy mix of enterprise, major-market, and global sales on top of annual gross retention rate of 98% – another company record. This momentum, alongside the strength of our sales pipeline, gives us great confidence in our right to continue winning in 2025.” 

    “Looking out to 2025, we plan to continue executing on the vision laid out during our November investor day, operating the business for optimal cash generation while maintaining our pace of innovation and high levels of customer success,” said Jeremy Johnson, CFO of Dayforce. “I’m pleased that we are starting the year with demonstrable progress toward our profitability goals, raising our 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance 100 basis points to 32%.”

    Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter 20241

    • Total revenue was $465.2 million, an increase of 16.4%, or 17.0% on a constant currency basis.
    • Dayforce recurring revenue was $347.9 million, an increase of 19.1%, or 19.5% on a constant currency basis. Excluding float revenue, Dayforce recurring revenue was $307.6 million, an increase of 20.0%, or 20.4% on a constant currency basis.
    • Cloud recurring gross margin was 80.0%, compared to 77.0%, an increase of 3.0 percentage points. Adjusted Cloud recurring gross margin was 80.4%, compared to 78.1%, an increase of 2.3 percentage points.
    • Operating profit was $28.5 million, compared to $38.8 million. Adjusted operating profit was $103.3 million, compared to $78.9 million.
    • Net income was $10.8 million, compared to $45.6 million. Adjusted net income was $97.1 million, compared to $80.3 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $129.2 million, compared to $99.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 27.8%, compared to 24.8%, an increase of 3.0 percentage points.
    • Diluted net income per share was $0.07, compared to $0.29. Adjusted diluted net income per share was $0.60, compared to $0.50.

    Financial Highlights for the Full Year 20241

    • Total revenue was $1,760.0 million, an increase of 16.3%, or 16.7% on a constant currency basis.
    • Dayforce recurring revenue was $1,339.9 million, an increase of 20.6%, or 20.8% on a constant currency basis. Excluding float revenue, Dayforce recurring revenue was $1,159.7 million, an increase of 20.4%, or 20.7% on a constant currency basis.
    • Cloud annualized recurring revenue (“ARR”) was $1,474.1 million, an increase of 17.9%, or $223.5 million.2
    • Cloud recurring gross margin was 78.9%, compared to 77.0%, an increase of 1.9 percentage points. Adjusted Cloud recurring gross margin was 79.8%, compared to 78.3%, an increase of 1.5 percentage points.
    • Operating profit was $104.1 million, compared to $133.1 million. Adjusted operating profit was $410.5 million, compared to $339.8 million.
    • Annual Dayforce gross revenue retention rate was 98.0% for the full year of 2024, compared to 97.1%.2
    • Net income was $18.1 million, compared to $54.8 million. Adjusted net income was $315.8 million, compared to $238.7 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $501.5 million, compared to $410.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 28.5%, compared to 27.1%, an increase of 1.4 percentage points.
    • Diluted net income per share was $0.11, compared to $0.35. Adjusted diluted net income per share was $1.97, compared to $1.51.
    • Net cash provided by operating activities was $281.1 million, compared to $219.5 million.
    • Free cash flow was $171.5 million, compared to $105.1 million. Free cash flow margin was 9.7%, compared to 6.9%, an increase of 2.8 percentage points.
    • Cash and equivalents were $579.7 million, compared to $570.3 million.

    Supplemental Detail

    • 7.62 million global employees were live on the Dayforce platform as of December 31, 2024, up 11.4% compared to 6.84 million global employees as of December 31, 2023.3
    • 6,876 customers were live on the Dayforce platform as of December 31, 2024, an increase of 146 customers since September 30, 2024 and an increase of 483 customers since December 31, 2023, or 7.6% year-over-year.3
    • Dayforce recurring revenue per customer was $163,101 for the trailing twelve months ended December 31, 2024, an increase of 11.1%.4
    • The average float balance for Dayforce’s customer funds during the quarter was $4.68 billion and the average yield on Dayforce’s float balance was 3.8%, a decrease of 10 basis points year-over-year. Float revenue from invested customer funds was $45.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024.
    • The average U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar foreign exchange rate was $1.40 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1.36 for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Dayforce presents percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis in order to exclude the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations, which it believes is useful to management and investors. Percentage change in revenue was calculated on a constant currency basis by applying the average foreign exchange rate in effect during the comparable prior period.

    1 The financial highlights are on a year-over-year basis, unless otherwise stated. All financial results are reported in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”), unless otherwise stated.
    2 Excluding Ascender and eloomi.
    3 Excluding Ascender, ADAM HCM, and eloomi.
    4 Excluding float revenue, Ascender, ADAM HCM, and eloomi revenue, and on a constant currency basis. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for discussion of percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis.

    Business Highlights

    • The Company launched its first mass advertising campaign across the U.S. after uniting its global brand as Dayforce.
    • Dayforce announced the launch of the Dayforce Partner Network to create growth opportunities and provide an exceptional experience for customers.
    • Dayforce was named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape – Worldwide Cloud-Enabled Human Capital Management 2024 Vendor Assessment and a Leader in the Nucleus Research Full Suite Talent Acquisition Technology Value Matrix 2024.
    • Dayforce won the gold medal and was named a Leader in Software Reviews Data Quadrant Awards for both HCM Enterprise Software and WFM Enterprise Software and was recognized by Constellation Research for excellence in Workforce Management Suites, HCM Suites with a North American Focus, Global HCM Suites, and Payroll for North American SMBs.
    • For the second consecutive year, Dayforce was named by Newsweek magazine and the Best Practice Institute as one of the Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces in America, made Computerworld’s list of Best Places to Work in IT, and earned a place on the United Kingdom’s (“U.K.”) Most Loved Workplace list.
    • Dayforce achieved record attendance at Dayforce Discover 2024, its annual customer conference in Las Vegas, where it welcomed its global community of customers, prospective customers, partners, and industry disruptors.

    Sales Highlights

    • A large member-owned retail cooperative selected the full Dayforce suite to support all 66,000 employees at 362 stores across nine states in the U.S.
    • A large global manufacturer and distributor of paints and coatings supporting 60,000 employees has expanded its partnership with Dayforce Payroll and Workforce Management for its regions beyond the U.S.
    • A global air services provider with over 48,000 employees across 35 countries has expanded its partnership with Dayforce to its U.S. operations. The company, which employs 3,200 in the U.S., has purchased the full suite of Dayforce products, including Managed Payroll.
    • A space exploration company selected Dayforce Payroll and Time and Attendance to support its 18,000 employees.
    • A global manufacturer of construction equipment selected Dayforce for Managed Payroll and Time and Attendance, supporting 6,500 employees and 500 pensioners globally.
    • A large Indigenous organization in the U.S. selected the full Dayforce suite to support 5,000 employees across Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.
    • A specialty food distributor with 5,000 employees across the U.S. and Canada has expanded its Dayforce partnership to include Advanced Experience Hub, Succession Planning, Co-Pilot, Career Explorer, Engagement, and Talent Acquisition Management.
    • A global beverage company has expanded its partnership with Dayforce choosing Time and Managed Payroll, to support 3,100 employees across the United States and Canada.
    • A global leader specializing in radiation detection, measurement, and monitoring solutions opted for the full Dayforce HCM suite to support its 3,000 employees globally.

    Customer Highlights

    • A global aviation services provider with over 55,000 employees across 36 countries has successfully gone live with Dayforce HR and Payroll for 8,000 employees in the U.K. and plans to continue its global rollout of the platform.
    • A leading American entertainment company with 23,000 employees successfully launched Dayforce Talent – Performance, Learning, Compensation, and Succession Planning – across its U.S. operations.
    • A leading U.K. contract catering and support services provider successfully implemented Dayforce HR and Payroll for its 10,500 employees.
    • A large public sector organization in North Carolina has gone live with Dayforce HR, Payroll, Benefits, Time, and People Analytics to support 8,000 employees.
    • A U.S gaming and digital entertainment company has successfully gone live with Dayforce HR, Payroll, Time and People Analytics, supporting 5,800 employees across the U.S. and Canada.
    • A global cybersecurity company has gone live with Dayforce HR, Payroll, and Time and Attendance, supporting 2,900 employees across the U.S.
    • A leading U.S. based commercial real estate company has successfully implemented Dayforce, using HR, Managed Payroll, Managed Benefits, Time and Talent to support its 2,650 employees.

    Product Roadmap Highlights

    In the fourth quarter, Dayforce continued to set a new standard for the HCM industry by bringing product capabilities to market to help organizations invest in their people and push their businesses forward.

    • 900+ compliance updates in 2024 further strengthen the company’s industry-leading position in compliance by addressing taxes, workers’ compensation, garnishments, dependent care, and multiple state and city rate changes.
    • New intelligence capabilities across the Dayforce suite will help customers simplify and accelerate business processes including:
      • Dayforce Co-Pilot, made generally available to all customers in Q4, optimizes people operations by enabling a more informed, empowered, and productive workforce through a powerful GenAI assistant that is personalized to answer contextual questions, summarize data, and provide step-by-step guidance.
      • Dayforce Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) Agents, announced at Dayforce Discover, will help customers accelerate workflows, efficiencies, and decision-making by automating repetitive tasks across the employee lifecycle.
      • AI-enhanced Dayforce Demand Forecasting, a new capability, better predicts demand and labor needs by delivering AI-enhanced insights through machine learning algorithms to help organizations plan more effectively.
      • Dayforce Workforce Insights, a new feature, provides critical workforce insights and serves as a one-stop shop for people leaders.
    • Dayforce Shift Marketplace supercharges staffing mobility by enabling workers to search for, select, and fill open shifts, right from their mobile device. Shift Marketplace provides workers with the up-front information required to understand their role, work, and compensation.
    • Dayforce Talent enhancements elevate the experience for talent acquisition professionals by enabling them to hire at scale, reduce complexities in recruitment, and view qualified candidates quickly and efficiently.
    • Dayforce Wallet updates include new direct-to-bank functionality with the option to continue to access available pay using Dayforce Wallet or to choose to send pay directly to another personal bank account and expanded access to on-demand pay using Dayforce Mobile.

    Business Outlook

    Based on information available as of February 5, 2025, Dayforce is issuing the following guidance for the full year and first quarter of 2025 as indicated below. Comparisons are on a year-over-year basis, unless stated otherwise.

    First Quarter 2025 Guidance

    • Total revenue, excluding float, of $421 million to $427 million, an increase of approximately 13.5% to 15% on a GAAP basis, or approximately 15.5% to 17% on a constant currency basis.
    • Float revenue of $53 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin of 31% to 32%.

    Full Year 2025 Guidance

    • Total revenue, excluding float, of $1,745 million to $1,760 million, an increase of approximately 11.9% to 12.8% on a GAAP basis, or approximately 14% to 15% on a constant currency basis.
    • Dayforce recurring revenue, excluding float, of $1,315 million to $1,340 million, an increase of approximately 13.4% to 15.5% on a GAAP basis, or approximately 15% to 17% on a constant currency basis.
    • Float revenue of $180 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin of 32%.
    • Free cash flow margin of 12%.

    Please refer to the “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for a reconciliation of Dayforce’s free cash flow margin guidance. Dayforce has not reconciled the Adjusted EBITDA margin ranges for the first quarter or full year of 2025 to the directly comparable GAAP financial measures because applicable information for the future period, on which these reconciliations would be based, is not available without unreasonable efforts due to uncertainty regarding, and the potential variability of, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and other items.

    Foreign Exchange

    For the first quarter and full year of 2025, Dayforce’s guidance assumes an average U.S. dollar to key foreign currencies as follows:

      % of 2024 total
    revenue    		 Foreign exchange
    rate assumed in
    guidance    		 Foreign exchange rate
    in Q1 2024    		 Foreign exchange rate
    in FY 2024
    U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar 21% 1.44 1.35 1.37
    U.S. dollar to Australian dollar 4% 1.61 1.52 1.52
    U.S. dollar to Great British pound 3% 0.81 0.79 0.78
             

    Conference Call Details

    Dayforce will host a live webcast and conference call to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on February 5, 2025. Those wishing to participate via the webcast should access the call through the Investor Relations section of the Dayforce website. Those wishing to participate via the telephone may dial in at 877-497-9071 (USA) or 201-689-8727 (International). The webcast replay will be available through the Investor Relations section of the Dayforce website.

    About Dayforce

    Dayforce makes work life better. Everything we do as a global leader in HCM technology is focused on improving work for thousands of customers and millions of employees around the world. Our single, global people platform for HR, Pay, Time, Talent, and Analytics equips Dayforce customers to unlock their full workforce potential and operate with confidence. To learn how Dayforce helps create quantifiable value for organizations of all sizes and industries, visit dayforce.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact or relating to present facts or current conditions included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give Dayforce’s current expectations and projections relating to its financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business. Users can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements relating to the full year and first quarter of 2025, as well as those relating to future growth initiatives. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “assume”, “project,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “continue,” “likely,” “should,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events, but not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on assumptions that Dayforce has made in light of its industry experience and its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors that it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. As users consider this press release, it should be understood that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. These assumptions and Dayforce’s future performance or results involve risks and uncertainties (many of which are beyond its control). In particular:

    • its inability to maintain its high Cloud solutions growth rate, manage its domestic and international growth effectively, or execute on its growth strategy;
    • the impact of disruptions to the movement of funds to initiate payroll-related transactions on behalf of  customers;
    • its failure to manage its aging technical operations infrastructure;
    • system breaches, interruptions or failures, including cyber-security breaches, identity theft, or other disruptions that could compromise customer information or sensitive company information, including its ongoing consent order with the Federal Trade Commission regarding data protection;
    • its failure to comply with applicable privacy, data protection, information security, and financial services laws, regulations and standards;
    • its inability to successfully compete in the markets in which Dayforce operates and expand its current offerings into new markets or further penetrate existing markets due to competition;
    • its failure to properly update its solutions to enable its customers to comply with applicable laws;
    • its failure to provide new or enhanced functionality and features, including those that may involve artificial intelligence or machine learning;
    • its inability to maintain necessary third-party relationships, and third-party software licenses, and identify errors in the software it licenses;
    • its inability to offer and deliver high-quality technical support, implementation, and professional services;
    • its inability to attract and retain senior management employees and highly skilled employees;
    • the impact of its outstanding debt obligations on its financial condition, results of operations, and value of its common stock;
    • its ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, and the effect of the existing material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting on its business, financial condition, and results of operations; or
    • the impact of adverse economic and market conditions on its business, operating results, or financial condition.

    Although Dayforce has attempted to identify important risk factors, additional factors or events that could cause Dayforce’s actual performance to differ from these forward-looking statements may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Dayforce to predict all of them. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of Dayforce’s assumptions prove incorrect, its actual financial condition, results of operations, future performance, and business may vary in material respects from the performance projected in these forward-looking statements. In addition to any factors and assumptions set forth above in this press release, the material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the general economy remains stable; the competitive environment in the HCM market remains stable; the demand environment for HCM solutions remains stable; Dayforce’s implementation capabilities and cycle times remain stable; foreign exchange rates, both current and those used in developing forward-looking statements, specifically U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar, remain stable at, or near, current rates; Dayforce will be able to maintain its relationships with its employees, customers, and partners; Dayforce will continue to attract qualified personnel to support its development requirements and the support of its new and existing customers; and that the risk factors noted above, individually or collectively, do not have a material impact on Dayforce. Any forward-looking statement made by Dayforce in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Dayforce undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

         
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
         
      December 31,  
      2024     2023  
    (In millions, except per share data)          
    Assets          
    Current assets:          
    Cash and equivalents $ 579.7     $ 570.3  
    Restricted cash   —       0.8  
    Trade and other receivables, net   264.8       228.8  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   137.5       126.7  
    Total current assets before customer funds   982.0       926.6  
    Customer funds   5,001.5       5,028.6  
    Total current assets   5,983.5       5,955.2  
    Right of use lease assets, net   12.3       19.1  
    Property, plant, and equipment, net   223.7       210.1  
    Goodwill   2,336.7       2,293.9  
    Other intangible assets, net   189.2       230.2  
    Deferred sales commissions   231.8       192.1  
    Other assets   139.8       110.3  
    Total assets $ 9,117.0     $ 9,010.9  
               
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity          
    Current liabilities:          
    Current portion of long-term debt $ 7.3     $ 7.6  
    Current portion of long-term lease liabilities   5.7       7.0  
    Accounts payable   77.0       66.7  
    Deferred revenue   42.3       40.2  
    Employee compensation and benefits   126.8       92.9  
    Other accrued expenses   31.5       30.4  
    Total current liabilities before customer funds obligations   290.6       244.8  
    Customer funds obligations   5,024.2       5,090.1  
    Total current liabilities   5,314.8       5,334.9  
    Long-term debt, less current portion   1,209.1       1,210.1  
    Employee benefit plans   5.9       27.7  
    Long-term lease liabilities, less current portion   10.8       18.9  
    Other liabilities   30.1       21.1  
    Total liabilities   6,570.7       6,612.7  
    Commitments and contingencies          
    Stockholders’ equity:          
    Common stock, $0.01 par, 500.0 shares authorized, 159.0 and 156.3 shares issued and outstanding, respectively   1.6       1.6  
    Additional paid in capital   3,363.2       3,151.1  
    Accumulated deficit   (335.8 )     (317.8 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (482.7 )     (436.7 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   2,546.3       2,398.2  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 9,117.0     $ 9,010.9  
                   
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited)
               
      Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
    (In millions, except per share data)                      
    Revenue:                      
    Recurring $ 393.7     $ 339.1     $ 1,517.3     $ 1,297.3  
    Professional services and other   71.5       60.6       242.7       216.4  
    Total revenue   465.2       399.7       1,760.0       1,513.7  
    Cost of revenue:                      
    Recurring   87.6       85.5       352.7       324.9  
    Professional services and other   80.2       68.6       291.0       265.6  
    Product development and management   57.0       56.4       223.8       209.9  
    Depreciation and amortization   21.8       19.4       80.4       66.8  
    Total cost of revenue   246.6       229.9       947.9       867.2  
    Gross profit   218.6       169.8       812.1       646.5  
    Selling and marketing   93.5       72.7       342.0       250.2  
    General and administrative   96.6       58.3       366.0       263.2  
    Operating profit   28.5       38.8       104.1       133.1  
    Interest expense, net   7.4       8.9       40.6       36.1  
    Other expense (income), net   20.2       (5.6 )     25.9       1.0  
    Income before income taxes   0.9       35.5       37.6       96.0  
    Income tax (benefit) expense   (9.9 )     (10.1 )     19.5       41.2  
    Net income $ 10.8     $ 45.6     $ 18.1     $ 54.8  
    Net income per share:                      
    Basic $ 0.07     $ 0.29     $ 0.11     $ 0.35  
    Diluted $ 0.07     $ 0.29     $ 0.11     $ 0.35  
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                      
    Basic   158.3       156.2       157.8       155.3  
    Diluted   161.8       159.2       160.4       158.5  
                                   
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Unaudited)
         
      Year Ended December 31,  
      2024     2023  
    (In millions)          
    Cash flows from operating activities          
    Net income $ 18.1     $ 54.8  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
    Deferred income tax (benefit) expense   (34.1 )     4.1  
    Depreciation and amortization   209.8       132.5  
    Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount   4.2       4.4  
    Loss on debt extinguishment   4.3       —  
    Provision for doubtful accounts   10.1       5.4  
    Net periodic pension and postretirement cost   10.1       1.1  
    Share-based compensation expense   155.5       136.7  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration   9.0       4.3  
    Other   0.1       1.0  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions:          
    Trade and other receivables   (48.0 )     (48.3 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (3.3 )     (22.1 )
    Deferred sales commissions   (43.9 )     (39.5 )
    Accounts payable and other accrued expenses   15.7       9.3  
    Deferred revenue   (4.4 )     (1.3 )
    Employee compensation and benefits   12.8       (7.5 )
    Accrued taxes   (3.6 )     (4.7 )
    Payment of contingent consideration   (20.9 )     —  
    Other assets and liabilities   (10.4 )     (10.7 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities   281.1       219.5  
               
    Cash flows from investing activities          
    Purchases of customer funds marketable securities   (541.1 )     (528.1 )
    Proceeds from sale and maturity of customer funds marketable securities   353.4       445.5  
    Purchases of marketable securities   (16.2 )     (6.8 )
    Proceeds from sale and maturity of marketable securities   14.7       2.0  
    Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment   (14.3 )     (19.0 )
    Expenditures for software and technology   (95.3 )     (95.4 )
    Acquisition costs, net of cash acquired   (173.1 )     —  
    Other   —       (1.0 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (471.9 )     (202.8 )
               
    Cash flows from financing activities          
    Increase in customer funds obligations, net   51.8       200.9  
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans   56.6       49.0  
    Repurchases of common stock   (36.1 )     —  
    Proceeds from debt issuance   650.0       —  
    Repayment of long-term debt obligations   (648.3 )     (7.9 )
    Payment of debt refinancing costs   (11.4 )     —  
    Payment of contingent consideration   (3.0 )     —  
    Net cash provided by financing activities   59.6       242.0  
               
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, restricted cash, and equivalents   (36.3 )     11.5  
    Net (decrease) increase in cash, restricted cash, and equivalents   (167.5 )     270.2  
    Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents at beginning of period   3,421.4       3,151.2  
    Cash, restricted cash, and equivalents at end of period $ 3,253.9     $ 3,421.4  
               
    Reconciliation of cash, restricted cash, and equivalents to the
    consolidated balance sheets    		          
    Cash and equivalents $ 579.7     $ 570.3  
    Restricted cash   —       0.8  
    Restricted cash and equivalents included in customer funds   2,674.2       2,850.3  
    Total cash, restricted cash, and equivalents $ 3,253.9     $ 3,421.4  
               
    Supplemental cash flow information          
    Cash paid for interest $ 45.3     $ 52.4  
    Cash paid for income taxes   56.4       43.0  
    Cash received from income tax refunds   0.8       0.6  
                   
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Revenue Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)
                           
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		     Percentage
    change in
    revenue    		     Impact of
    changes in
    foreign
    currency
    (a)    		     Percentage
    change in
    revenue on
    a constant
    currency
    basis (a)    		  
      2024     2023     2024 vs.
    2023    		           2024 vs.
    2023    		  
      (In millions)                    
    Revenue:                            
    Recurring revenue:                            
    Dayforce recurring, excluding float $ 307.6     $ 256.4       20.0 %     (0.4 )%     20.4 %
    Dayforce float   40.3       35.7       12.9 %     (0.5 )%     13.4 %
    Total Dayforce recurring   347.9       292.1       19.1 %     (0.4 )%     19.5 %
    Powerpay recurring, excluding float   23.1       23.1       (— )%     (2.6 )%     2.6 %
    Powerpay float   4.4       5.0       (12.0 )%     (4.0 )%     (8.0 )%
    Total Powerpay recurring   27.5       28.1       (2.1 )%     (2.8 )%     0.7 %
    Total Cloud recurring   375.4       320.2       17.2 %     (0.7 )%     17.9 %
    Other recurring (b)   18.3       18.9       (3.2 )%     0.5 %     (3.7 )%
    Total recurring revenue   393.7       339.1       16.1 %     (0.6 )%     16.7 %
    Professional services and other (c)   71.5       60.6       18.0 %     (0.8 )%     18.8 %
    Total revenue $ 465.2     $ 399.7       16.4 %     (0.6 )%     17.0 %
    a) Dayforce has calculated percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis by applying the average foreign exchange rate in effect during the comparable prior period. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for discussion of percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis.
    b) Float attributable to Other recurring was $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
    c) For the three months ended December 31, 2024, Professional services and other consisted of $69.4 million, $1.9 million, $0.2 million associated with Dayforce, Other, and Powerpay, respectively. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, Professional services and other consisted of $57.6 million, $2.7 million, and $0.3 million associated with Dayforce, Other, and Powerpay, respectively.
       
      Year Ended December 31,     Percentage
    change in
    revenue    		     Impact of
    changes in
    foreign
    currency
    (a)    		     Percentage
    change in
    revenue on
    a constant
    currency
    basis (a)    		  
      2024     2023     2024 vs.
    2023    		           2024 vs.
    2023    		  
      (In millions)                    
    Revenue:                            
    Recurring revenue:                            
    Dayforce recurring, excluding float $ 1,159.7     $ 962.9       20.4 %     (0.3 )%     20.7 %
    Dayforce float   180.2       148.2       21.6 %     (0.3 )%     21.9 %
    Total Dayforce recurring   1,339.9       1,111.1       20.6 %     (0.2 )%     20.8 %
    Powerpay recurring, excluding float   83.7       81.9       2.2 %     (1.6 )%     3.8 %
    Powerpay float   18.8       18.4       2.2 %     (1.6 )%     3.8 %
    Total Powerpay recurring   102.5       100.3       2.2 %     (1.6 )%     3.8 %
    Total Cloud recurring   1,442.4       1,211.4       19.1 %     (0.3 )%     19.4 %
    Other recurring (b)   74.9       85.9       (12.8 )%     (0.7 )%     (12.1 )%
    Total recurring revenue   1,517.3       1,297.3       17.0 %     (0.3 )%     17.3 %
    Professional services and other (c)   242.7       216.4       12.2 %     (0.3 )%     12.5 %
    Total revenue $ 1,760.0     $ 1,513.7       16.3 %     (0.4 )%     16.7 %
    a) Dayforce has calculated percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis by applying the average foreign exchange rate in effect during the comparable prior period. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for discussion of percentage change in revenue on a constant currency basis.
    b) Float attributable to Other recurring was $1.3 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    c) For the year ended December 31, 2024, Professional services and other consisted of $233.8 million, $8.5 million, and $0.4 million associated with Dayforce, Other, and Powerpay, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Professional services and other consisted of $202.1 million, $13.8 million, and $0.5 million associated with Dayforce, Other, and Powerpay, respectively.
       
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Share-Based Compensation Expense and Related Employer Taxes
    (Unaudited)
               
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		     Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,    		  
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
      (in millions)  
    Cost of revenue – Cloud $ 1.7     $ 3.5     $ 11.3     $ 15.4  
    Cost of revenue – Other   0.5       0.3       2.2       1.5  
    Professional services and other   2.5       3.7       14.2       17.2  
    Product development and management   7.6       6.8       32.6       32.5  
    Sales and marketing   9.1       4.5       36.3       23.5  
    General and administrative   16.8       —       60.0       47.0  
    Total $ 38.2     $ 18.8     $ 156.6     $ 137.1  
                                   
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)
     
    The following tables reconcile Dayforce’s reported results to its non-GAAP financial measures:
         
      Three Months Ended December 31, 2024  
      As
    reported    		     As
    reported
    margins
    (a)    		     Share-based
    compensation    		     Amortization     Other (b)     As
    adjusted
    (b)    		     As
    adjusted
    margins
    (a)    		  
      (Dollars in millions, except per share data)  
    Cost of Cloud recurring revenue $ 75.2       80.0 %   $ 1.7     $ —     $ 0.1     $ 73.4       80.4 %
                                             
    Operating profit $ 28.5       6.1 %   $ 38.2     $ 32.5     $ 4.1     $ 103.3       22.2 %
                                             
    Net income $ 10.8       2.3 %   $ 38.2     $ 32.5     $ 15.6     $ 97.1       20.9 %
    Interest expense, net   7.4             —       —       —       7.4        
    Income tax benefit (c)   (9.9 )           —       —       (8.8 )     (1.1 )      
    Depreciation and amortization   58.3             —       32.5       —       25.8        
    EBITDA $ 66.6           $ 38.2     $ —     $ 24.4     $ 129.2       27.8 %
                                             
    Net income per share – diluted $ 0.07           $ 0.24     $ 0.20     $ 0.10     $ 0.60        
    (a) Cloud recurring gross margin is defined as total Cloud recurring revenue less cost of Cloud recurring revenue as a percentage of total Cloud recurring revenue. Operating profit margin and net profit margin are determined by calculating the percentage operating profit and net income are of total revenue. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted margins.
    (b) The as adjusted column is a non-GAAP financial measure, adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items. The adjustment to operating profit consists of $4.1 million of restructuring expenses. The adjustments to net income also include $17.1 million of foreign exchange loss, $3.2 million of costs associated with the planned termination of its frozen U.S. pension plan, and a $8.8 million net adjustment for the effect of income taxes related to these items. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted metrics.
    (c) Income tax effects have been calculated based on the statutory tax rates in effect in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions during the period.
       
      Three Months Ended December 31, 2023  
      As
    reported    		     As
    reported
    margins
    (a)    		     Share-based
    compensation    		     Amortization     Other (b)     As
    adjusted
    (b)    		     As
    adjusted
    margins
    (a)    		  
      (Dollars in millions, except per share data)  
    Cost of Cloud recurring revenue $ 73.7       77.0 %   $ 3.5     $ —     $ —     $ 70.2       78.1 %
                                             
    Operating profit $ 38.8       9.7 %   $ 18.8     $ 27.8     $ (6.5 )   $ 78.9       19.7 %
                                             
    Net income $ 45.6       11.4 %   $ 18.8     $ 27.8     $ (11.9 )   $ 80.3       20.1 %
    Interest expense, net   8.9             —       —       —       8.9        
    Income tax benefit (c)   (10.1 )           —       —       0.5       (10.6 )      
    Depreciation and amortization   48.4             —       27.8       —       20.6        
    EBITDA $ 92.8           $ 18.8     $ —     $ (12.4 )   $ 99.2       24.8 %
                                             
    Net income per share – diluted $ 0.29           $ 0.12     $ 0.17     $ (0.07 )   $ 0.50        
    (a) Cloud recurring gross margin is defined as total Cloud recurring revenue less cost of Cloud recurring revenue as a percentage of total Cloud recurring revenue. Operating profit margin and net profit margin are determined by calculating the percentage operating profit and net income are of total revenue. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted margins.
    (b) The as adjusted column is a non-GAAP financial measure, adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items. The adjustments to operating profit consist of a $7.5 million gain related to the impact of the fair value adjustment for the DataFuzion contingent consideration, a $0.3 million gain related to the abandonment of certain leased facilities, and $1.3 million of restructuring expenses. The adjustments to net income also include $5.9 million of foreign exchange gain and a $0.5 million net adjustment for the effect of income taxes related to these items. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted metrics.
    (c) Income tax effects have been calculated based on the statutory tax rates in effect in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions during the period.
       
      Year Ended December 31, 2024  
      As
    reported    		     As
    reported
    margins
    (a)    		     Share-based
    compensation    		     Amortization     Other (b)     As
    adjusted
    (b)    		     As
    adjusted
    margins
    (a)    		  
      (Dollars in millions, except per share data)  
    Cost of Cloud recurring revenue $ 303.7       78.9 %   $ 11.3     $ —     $ 1.0     $ 291.4       79.8 %
                                             
    Operating profit $ 104.1       5.9 %   $ 156.6     $ 120.0     $ 29.8     $ 410.5       23.3 %
                                             
    Net income $ 18.1       1.0 %   $ 156.6     $ 120.0     $ 21.1     $ 315.8       17.9 %
    Interest expense, net   40.6             —       —       —       40.6        
    Income tax expense (c)   19.5             —       —       (35.8 )     55.3        
    Depreciation and amortization   209.8             —       120.0       —       89.8        
    EBITDA $ 288.0           $ 156.6     $ —     $ 56.9     $ 501.5       28.5 %
                                             
    Net income per share – diluted $ 0.11           $ 0.98     $ 0.75     $ 0.13     $ 1.97        
    (a) Cloud recurring gross margin is defined as total Cloud recurring revenue less cost of Cloud recurring revenue as a percentage of total Cloud recurring revenue. Operating profit margin and net profit margin are determined by calculating the percentage operating profit and net income are of total revenue. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted margins.
    (b) The as adjusted column is a non-GAAP financial measure, adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items. The adjustments to operating profit consist of $19.8 million of restructuring expenses, $9.0 million related to the impact of the fair value adjustment for the DataFuzion contingent consideration, and $1.0 million of fees associated with initiating the receivables securitization program. The adjustments to net income also include $14.2 million of foreign exchange loss, $12.9 million of costs associated with the planned termination of our frozen U.S. pension plan, and a $35.8 million net adjustment for the effect of income taxes related to these items. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted metrics.
    (c) Income tax effects have been calculated based on the statutory tax rates in effect in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions during the period.
       
      Year Ended December 31, 2023  
      As
    reported    		     As
    reported
    margins
    (a)    		     Share-based
    compensation    		     Amortization     Other (b)     As
    adjusted
    (b)    		     As
    adjusted
    margins
    (a)    		  
      (Dollars in millions, except per share data)  
    Cost of Cloud recurring revenue $ 278.5       77.0 %   $ 15.4     $ —     $ —     $ 263.1       78.3 %
                                             
    Operating profit $ 133.1       8.8 %   $ 137.1     $ 60.5     $ 9.1     $ 339.8       22.4 %
                                             
    Net income $ 54.8       3.6 %   $ 137.1     $ 60.5     $ (13.7 )   $ 238.7       15.8 %
    Interest expense, net   36.1             —       —       —       36.1        
    Income tax expense (c)   41.2             —       —       (22.2 )     63.4        
    Depreciation and amortization   132.5             —       60.5       —       72.0        
    EBITDA $ 264.6           $ 137.1     $ —     $ 8.5     $ 410.2       27.1 %
                                             
    Net income per share – diluted $ 0.35           $ 0.86     $ 0.38     $ (0.09 )   $ 1.51        
    (a) Cloud recurring gross margin is defined as total Cloud recurring revenue less cost of Cloud recurring revenue as a percentage of total Cloud recurring revenue. Operating profit margin and net profit margin are determined by calculating the percentage operating profit and net income are of total revenue. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted margins.
    (b) The as adjusted column is a non-GAAP financial measure, adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items. The adjustments to operating profit consist of $4.7 million of restructuring expenses, $4.3 million related to the impact of the fair value adjustment for the DataFuzion contingent consideration, and $0.1 million related to the abandonment of certain leased facilities. The adjustments to net income also include $0.6 million of foreign exchange gain and a $22.2 million net adjustment for the effect of income taxes related to these items. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information on the as adjusted metrics.
    (c) Income tax effects have been calculated based on the statutory tax rates in effect in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions during the period.
       
    Dayforce, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow
    (Unaudited)
     
    The following table reconciles Dayforce’s reported results to free cash flow:
               
      Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
      (In millions)  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 81.0     $ 89.9     $ 281.1     $ 219.5  
    Capital expenditures   (26.8 )     (26.1 )     (109.6 )     (114.4 )
    Free cash flow $ 54.2     $ 63.8     $ 171.5     $ 105.1  
                           
    Operating cash flow margin (a)   17.4 %     22.5 %     16.0 %     14.5 %
    Free cash flow margin (b)   11.7 %     16.0 %     9.7 %     6.9 %
                                   

    The following table reconciles Dayforce’s free cash flow guidance:

      Year Ended December 31,
    2025    		  
      Low range     High range  
      (In millions)  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 334     $ 339  
    Capital expenditures   (105 )     (105 )
    Free cash flow $ 229     $ 234  
               
    Operating cash flow margin (a)   17.4 %     17.5 %
    Free cash flow margin (b)   11.9 %     12.1 %
    (a) Operating cash flow margin is determined by calculating the percentage that operating cash flow is of total revenue.
    (b) Free cash flow margin is determined by calculating the percentage that free cash flow is of total revenue.
       

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Dayforce uses certain non-GAAP financial measures in this release including:

    Non-GAAP Financial Measure   GAAP Financial Measure
    EBITDA   Net income
    Adjusted EBITDA   Net income
    Adjusted EBITDA margin   Net profit margin
    Adjusted Cloud recurring gross margin   Cloud recurring gross margin
    Adjusted operating profit   Operating profit
    Adjusted operating profit margin   Operating profit margin
    Adjusted net income   Net income
    Adjusted net profit margin   Net profit margin
    Adjusted diluted net income per share   Diluted net income per share
    Free cash flow   Net cash provided by operating activities
    Free cash flow margin   Operating cash flow margin
    Percentage change in revenue, including total revenue and revenue by solution, on a constant currency basis   Percentage change in revenue, including total revenue and revenue by solution
    Cloud annualized retention rate   No directly comparable GAAP measure
    Dayforce revenue retention rate   No directly comparable GAAP measure
    Dayforce recurring revenue per customer   No directly comparable GAAP measure
         

    Dayforce believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to management and investors as supplemental measures to evaluate its overall operating performance including comparison across periods and with competitors. Dayforce’s management team uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess operating performance because these financial measures exclude the results of decisions that are outside the normal course of its business operations, and are used for internal budgeting and forecasting purposes both for short- and long-term operating plans. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is a component of its management incentive plan and Adjusted Cloud recurring gross margin and Adjusted operating profit are components of certain performance based equity awards for its named executive officers. Additionally, Dayforce believes that the non-GAAP financial measure free cash flow is meaningful to investors because it is a measure of liquidity that provides useful information in understanding and evaluating the strength of Dayforce’s liquidity and future ability to generate cash that can be used for strategic opportunities or investing in its business. The exclusion of capital expenditures facilitates comparisons of Dayforce’s liquidity on a period-to-period basis and excludes items that management does not consider to be indicative of Dayforce’s liquidity.

    These non-GAAP financial measures are not required by, defined under, or presented in accordance with, GAAP, and should not be considered as alternatives to Dayforce’s results as reported under GAAP, have important limitations as analytical tools, and its use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies in its industry. Dayforce’s presentation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed to imply that its future results will be unaffected by similar items to those eliminated in this presentation. Please refer to Dayforce’s full financial results, including further discussion of non-GAAP financial measures, on the Investor Relations portion of its website at investors.dayforce.com.

    Dayforce defines its non-GAAP financial measures as follows:

    • EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA, as adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, and certain other items.
    • Adjusted EBITDA margin is determined by calculating the percentage Adjusted EBITDA is of total revenue.
    • Adjusted Cloud recurring gross margin is defined as Cloud recurring gross margin, as adjusted to exclude share-based compensation and related employer taxes, and certain other items, as a percentage of total Cloud recurring revenue.
    • Adjusted operating profit is defined as operating profit, as adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items.
    • Adjusted net income is defined as net income, as adjusted to exclude share-based compensation expense and related employer taxes, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, and certain other items, all of which are adjusted for the effect of income taxes.
    • Adjusted net profit margin is determined by calculating the percentage Adjusted net income is of total revenue.
    • Adjusted diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing adjusted net income by diluted weighted average common shares outstanding. When adjusted diluted net income per share is positive, diluted weighted average common shares outstanding incorporate the effect of dilutive equity instruments.
    • Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted to exclude capital expenditures.
    • Free cash flow margin is determined by calculating the percentage that free cash flow is of total revenue.
    • Percentage change in revenue, including total revenue and revenue by solution, on a constant currency basis is calculated by applying the average foreign exchange rate in effect during the comparable prior period.
    • Cloud ARR is calculated by starting with recurring revenue at year end, excluding revenue from Ascender and eloomi, subtracting the once-a-year charges, annualizing the revenue for customers live for less than a full year to reflect the revenue that would have been realized if the customer had been live for a full year, and adding back the once-a-year charges. We have not reconciled Cloud ARR because there is no directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
    • Annual Dayforce revenue retention rate is calculated as a percentage, excluding Ascender and eloomi, where the numerator is the Dayforce ARR for the prior year, less the Dayforce ARR from lost Dayforce customers during that year; and the denominator is the Dayforce ARR for the prior year. We have not reconciled Annual Dayforce revenue retention rate because there is no directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
    • Dayforce recurring revenue per customer is an indicator of the average size of Dayforce recurring revenue customers. To calculate Dayforce recurring revenue per customer, we start with Dayforce recurring revenue on a constant currency basis by applying the same exchange rate to all comparable periods for the trailing twelve months and excludes float revenue, and Ascender, ADAM HCM, and eloomi revenue. This amount is divided by the number of live Dayforce customers at the end of the trailing twelve month period, excluding Ascender, ADAM HCM, and eloomi. We have not reconciled the Dayforce recurring revenue per customer because there is no directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

    Source: Dayforce, Inc.

    For further information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    1-844-829-9499
    investors@dayforce.com

    Public Relations
    1-647-417-2117
    teri.murphy@dayforce.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The Hackett Group® Recognizes Employ as a Top Performer in its Talent Acquisition Software Provider Matrix™ 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Employ Inc., a leading provider of people-first recruiting and talent acquisition solutions including JazzHR, Lever and Jobvite, today announces its inclusion in the Hackett Group® Digital World Class® Matrix focused on the talent acquisition software marketplace.

    The Talent Acquisition Digital World Class® Matrix provides an in-depth guide to some of the biggest talent acquisition technology providers and how their solutions impact companies’ operations, recruiting effectiveness, and ultimately the success of the workforce. The report evaluated 15 providers for their capabilities and value delivered to clients based on vendor briefings and extensive customer interviews across 29 different criteria.

    JazzHR, Lever and Jobvite stood out as talent acquisition “top performers” for having a breadth of capabilities, strong improvements in hiring metrics post-implementation and delivering strong value for different types of streamlined hiring needs, whether that’s deep and complex, flexible and broad, or quick and simple.

    According to the report, adoption of emerging technologies (including AI) has significantly propelled performance improvements in HR organizations for recruiting outcomes and broader talent management alignment. Additionally, the report states that leading TA solutions are investing heavily in AI enablement across the hiring lifecycle and continue to leverage the broader technology ecosystem to augment existing capabilities and provide HR organizations with holistic capability enablement.

    “Being recognized in the Hackett Group® Talent Acquisition Digital World Class® Matrix is a testament to our commitment to innovation and proof that our work is empowering organizations to deliver better business outcomes,” said Dara Brenner, Chief Product Officer, Employ. “This acknowledgement helps reinforce our leadership in the talent acquisition space as a vendor of choice offering our customers multiple, personalized solutions to choose from, not just one, and elevates the value and results we bring throughout the full recruiting lifecycle journey.”

    “Employ has made tremendous progress across its capabilities and the unique value that each product brings to market,” said Matthew Merker, Senior Research Director, Human Capital Management Market Intelligence, The Hackett Group. “They are listening and reacting to what today’s talent acquisition leaders and recruiters need, offering choice and optionality as it relates to selecting a solution provider. Their product lines and new go-to-market strategy position them for growth from SMB to the enterprise level going into 2025.”

    To learn more about Employ and its JazzHR, Lever and Jobvite solutions, visit www.employinc.com.

    To download a copy of the Hackett Group® report, click here.

    About Employ Inc.
    Employ Inc. provides people-first recruiting solutions that empower companies to overcome their greatest hiring challenges. Services SMBs to global enterprises, Employ focuses on the unique recruiting needs of each organization – from foundational hiring to sophisticated talent acquisition. Employ is the only organization to offer companies choice in their hiring solutions, providing a curated set of recruiting technologies and services. Together, Employ and its solutions (JazzHR, Lever, Jobvite) serve more than 23,000 customers across multiple industries. For more information, visit www.employinc.com.

    About The Hackett Group
    The Hackett Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HCKT) is an IP and platform-based, Gen AI strategic consulting and executive advisory firm that enables Digital World Class® performance. Using AI XPLR™ and ZBrain™ – our ideation through implementation platforms – our experienced professionals help organizations realize the power of Gen AI and achieve quantifiable, breakthrough results, allowing us to be key architects of their Gen AI journey.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ethical Web AI appoints Tom Symonds as the new Chief Executive Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ethical Web AI (d/b/a Bubblr Inc.) (OTC: BBLR), a leader in ethical technology innovation, proudly announces the appointment of Tom Symonds as Chief Executive Officer. Tom has been at the forefront of innovative technology for 25 years. He is a recognized pioneer in the field of immersive technology for enterprise, having founded Immerse.io and acted as CEO prior to joining Ethical Web. He also comes with a unique blend of corporate experience developed during his years at GE Capital and Sky, where he led the transformation of their internet presence. His passion for developing disruptive uses of technology to break open new market opportunities makes him uniquely suited to the company.

    Ethical Web’s previous CEO, Manfred Ebensberger, left the post for personal reasons. He remains a big supporter of the company and retains a keen interest in its progress.

    Steve Morris, CTO of Ethical Web AI, remarked:
    “Tom is the ideal CEO for the company, with deep experience in early-stage technology and a clear understanding of how to bring enterprise products to market. I have known Tom for over ten years. He was an early investor in the company, and I have always hoped he would join us as CEO. Thankfully, he joins at this pivotal moment and is focused on a completely new business plan and approach. Tom has already had a huge impact, shouldering a great deal of my work burden so I can focus on software development and IP. Tom has a fantastic proven record as a specialist CEO for companies focussed on delivering transformative new technologies.”

    Tom Symonds stated:
    “In my opinion, Steve Morris is a unique technical genius. While he is also a very humble guy (happiest described in those terms), his ability to come up with genuinely revolutionary software products and to secure this IP with patents puts Steve in the same bracket as the handful of genuine technology innovators who have changed the world. That said, Steve would be the first to agree that his skills should be focused on the product and not on CEO responsibilities. I have been working with Steve and his team for the past three months, and we will be completely pivoting the company’s priorities to focus on revenue. It is my ambition to make the company’s cash flow positive within six months. There are a few milestones we need to achieve both in the short and medium term. These include:

    • The launch of a new enterprise-only product will deliver secure and safe generative AI capabilities for 30% of enterprises that are currently banning the use of generative AI for fear of leaking sensitive data. This product is already under development, and we expect to launch it officially in the next few weeks.
    • Finalize a software development partnership with one of the major cloud hosting companies to deliver the product and provide the basis of a unique and powerful route to market. Again, we expect to be able to deliver this within a few weeks of the new product launch.
    • Revamp the company’s business plan, investment deck and website to reflect the new company direction. The business plan has already been updated, and the corporate investment deck is due to be completed in weeks. A new company website will immediately follow.
    • File a new patent at the US patent office that describes the unique techniques we use to prevent sensitive data from leaving the customer enterprise’s intranet. Again, we expect this patent to be filed in weeks.
    • Recruit a top-quality Chief Revenue Officer. Interviews for the role have already begun, and we expect to announce in the next few weeks.
    • Raise substantial new investment capital to ensure capital (in the order of $3m in total) to ensure the necessary expansion required to comply with the new business plan. Again, I am expecting we can deliver this funding within the next two months.
    • Engage with institutional investors with a view to uplisting to a superior exchange and for this to be executed this year.

    The new focus on revenue and enterprise sales does not diminish the actual value of Ethical Web AI, which lies in its Open-Source SaaS platform and its associated patents. This platform is so disruptive and so innovative that it has always been challenging to describe in simple terms. However, in my opinion, it is this platform that will eventually impel a global technology giant to acquire the company for billions of dollars. I am really looking forward to ensuring the company’s success, and I could not be happier in my current role. It is a wonderful and unique challenge.”

    About Ethical Web AI:

    Ethical Web AI is an ethical technology company championing an anonymous, safe, and fair new internet. We produce unique intellectual property and technology made defensible by our valuable utility software patents.

    Visit the new AI Seek website at https://www.aiseek.ai.

    For more information about our company and products, please visit our website at www.ethicalweb.ai.

    Media Contact:
    Steve Morris
    Bubblr, Inc.
    (646) 814 7184

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management. They are subject to several uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company’s current plans and expectations, future operations, and financial condition. The company reserves the right to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Recent Draganfly Sales and Activities with Policing Agencies Signals Growing Focus on Northern (Canada) Border Security 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Draganfly Confirms Its Strategic & Tactical Positioning and Preparedness for Growing Border Security Demand Amid Global Trade and Security Initiatives

    Saskatoon, SK., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award‑winning leader in drone solutions and systems development, today confirms through recent sales activities its positioning and preparedness to support the enhancement of border security amid evolving global trade and security uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Highlighting recent sales activities with policing agencies, Draganfly continues to strengthen its position to support border security with advanced drone technology solutions.

    “Recent global trade challenges, tariff uncertainties, and security concerns underscore the critical importance of secure borders and resilient supply chains,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly Inc. “Our recent sales activities with policing agencies is a testament to our ability and readiness to provide drone technology and services in support of border security solutions.”

    Draganfly’s comprehensive product portfolio—featuring high‑resolution, electro-optical/infra-red and low-light sensors with real‑time data processing capabilities available in multiple tactical communication and control configurations—is designed to deliver multi-mission capabilities for challenging mission profiles. With an emphasis on North American‑made innovation, the Company is committed to supporting the security needs of government agencies and border authorities, ensuring that technology remains at the forefront of national security and economic stability.

    “As we continue to navigate an era of rapid geopolitical change, it is essential that both the public and private sectors collaborate to safeguard borders,” added Chell. “Draganfly is proud to be at the leading edge of this effort, leveraging our technological expertise to help create a more secure and resilient border.”

    About Draganfly

    Draganfly Inc. is the creator of quality, cutting-edge drone solutions, software, and AI systems that revolutionize how organizations operate and serve their stakeholders. With over 24 years of innovation, Draganfly is recognized as a leader in the public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying markets. The Company’s commitment to ingenuity and first-class services drives its goal to save time, money, and lives across the globe.

    For more information on Draganfly, please visit Draganfly’s website. For additional investor information, visit:

    The CSE Listing
    NASDAQ Listing
    Frankfurt Listing

    Media Contact Erika Racicot Email: media@draganfly.com

    Company Contact Email: info@draganfly.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking ‎‎‎‎information” as ‎‎‎‎defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information can ‎‎‎‎generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‎‎‎‎‎“may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, ‎‎‎‎‎“estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar ‎‎‎‎terminology. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information are based on forecasts of future ‎‎‎‎results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and ‎‎‎‎assumptions that, while believed by ‎‎‎‎management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant ‎‎‎‎business, economic and ‎‎‎‎competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎include, but are not ‎‎‎‎limited to, statements with respect to Draganfly’s comprehensive product portfolio’s ability to deliver multi-mission capabilities for challenging mission profiles. Forward-‎‎‎‎looking statements and information are subject to various ‎known ‎‎and unknown risks and ‎‎‎‎‎uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to ‎control or ‎‎predict, that ‎‎‎‎may cause ‎the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be ‎materially ‎‎different ‎‎‎‎from those ‎expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions ‎about ‎‎such ‎‎‎‎risks, uncertainties ‎and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the potential ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎impact of epidemics, ‎pandemics or other public health crises, including the ‎COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company’s business, operations and financial ‎‎‎‎condition; the ‎‎‎successful integration of ‎technology; the inherent risks involved in the general ‎‎‎‎securities markets; ‎‎‎uncertainties relating to the ‎availability and costs of financing needed in the ‎‎‎‎future; the inherent ‎‎‎uncertainty of cost estimates; the ‎potential for unexpected costs and ‎‎‎‎expenses, currency ‎‎‎fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; and liability, ‎competition, loss of key ‎‎‎‎employees and other related risks ‎‎‎and uncertainties disclosed under the ‎heading “Risk Factors“ ‎‎‎‎in the Company’s most recent filings filed ‎‎‎with securities regulators in Canada on ‎the SEDAR ‎‎‎‎website at www.sedar.com and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes ‎‎‎no obligation to update forward-‎looking ‎‎‎‎information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-‎‎‎looking information represents ‎‎‎‎‎managements’ best judgment based on information currently available. ‎‎‎No forward-looking ‎‎‎‎statement ‎can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. ‎‎‎Accordingly, readers ‎‎‎‎are advised not to ‎place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or ‎‎‎information.‎

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI to conduct 56-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) on February 07, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    As announced vide the Press Release 2024-2025/2013 dated January 27, 2025, the Reserve Bank will be conducting a 56-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) on February 07, 2025, Friday, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor
    (day)    		 Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 50,000 56 03:30 PM to 04:00 PM April 04, 2025
    (Friday)

    2. Standalone Primary Dealers will be allowed to participate in this auction, along with other eligible participants.

    3. The operational guidelines for the auction will be same as given in Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2021-2022/1572 dated January 20, 2022.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2082

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ESFA Update: 5 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Latest information and actions from the Education and Skills Funding Agency for academies, schools, colleges, local authorities and further education providers.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    ESFA Update further education: 5 February 2025

    HTML

    ESFA Update academies: 5 February 2025

    HTML

    ESFA Update local authorities: 5 February 2025

    HTML

    Details

    Latest for further education

    Article Title
    Action Mid-year funding claim for 2024 to 2025
    Information Changes to the administration of the Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund (defined vulnerable bursary) schemes from the academic year 2025 to 2026
    Information Department for Education recruitment for professional conduct panellists to support the Teaching Regulation Agency
    Information College and local authority accountability agreements and local needs duty
    Your feedback ESFA funding contracts and agreements – redesign

    Latest information for academies

    Article Title
    Information Mid-year funding claim for 2024 to 2025
    Information Changes to the administration of the Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund (defined vulnerable bursary) schemes from the academic year 2025 to 2026
    Information Department for Education recruitment for professional conduct panellists to support the Teaching Regulation Agency
    Events and webinars Risk protection arrangement (RPA)
    Events and webinars Academy finance professionals February power hour – counter fraud

    Latest information for local authorities

    Article Title
    Action Mid-year funding claim for 2024 to 2025
    Information Changes to the administration of the Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund (defined vulnerable bursary) schemes from the academic year 2025 to 2026
    Information Updated high needs funding and local authorities’ schools funding document collection pages
    Information Department for Education recruitment for professional conduct panellists to support the Teaching Regulation Agency
    Information College and local authority accountability agreements and local needs duty
    Your feedback ESFA funding contracts and agreements – redesign
    Events and webinars Risk protection arrangement (RPA)

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 February 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Second consultation on Drax Power Limited permit variation opens

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Environment Agency has opened a second consultation into a permit variation application from Drax Power Limited in Yorkshire.

    The operator first applied for the variation in May 2023 to request permission to incorporate carbon capture at its bioenergy plant near Selby.

    At the time, the Environment Agency held a public consultation to offer people the opportunity to comment on the application.

    During the Environment Agency’s review of this 2023 application, it considered the applicant had not included sufficient information, so it requested a more detailed assessment.

    Drax has now provided the potential substances that could be formed in the carbon capture plant and with a more detailed justification for the substances it considers could be emitted to air.

    A second consultation for the application has now been opened and will run from Tuesday 4 February to Tuesday 4 March, 2025.

    Tim Shaw, Installations Team Leader, said:

    We have now received updated information from the applicant and this can be found in a revised air emissions risk assessment.

    It’s important to hold a second consultation so the public have the opportunity to view the new documents and provide their views on environmental factors they feel are important.

    We are committed to carrying out a detailed and rigorous assessment of this permit variation application.

    Carbon capture

    Carbon capture is the removal of carbon dioxide from waste gases (usually by absorbing the carbon dioxide in a special solvent) and either using it or storing it underground, reducing the amount of emissions into the atmosphere.

    Drax Power Ltd wants to capture the carbon dioxide emitted during electricity generation, to prevent the majority of it from entering the atmosphere.

    The carbon dioxide captured will be transported via a pipeline for permanent storage under the North Sea.

    To capture carbon dioxide from the combustion process, Drax will need to vary its existing environmental permit.

    The Environment Agency assesses applications for environmental permits, or to vary existing environmental permits, under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR).

    Its role is to assess the application and decide if it meets all requirements under relevant environmental legislation and provides a high level of protection to the environment and human health.

    It will only vary the environmental permit if it is satisfied this would be the case.

    After the consultation has closed, the Environment Agency will review the comments received from the consultation process and take them into account in the determination of the application.

    The documentation can be found on the Environment Agency’s Citizen Space page

    Background

    More information about Drax’s permit application can be found on the application pages on Citizen Space.

    • Responses to the consultation can be made electronically.
    • Information on the website explains how people can view the consultation documents and how they can provide comments. It also explains what the EA can and can’t take into account when deciding on the application.
    • Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals is urged to read the documentation online before responding directly on the website or by email
    • People can respond directly on the website or alternatively by email to pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk 
    • Those unable to view the documents or make representation via the consultation website or by email should contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deal for Council to take over D&E Coaches completed

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Pictured are L to R – General Manager Gayle McEwan, former owner and Managing Director Donald Mathieson, Council Leader Cllr Raymond Bremner and Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans.

    Yesterday (Tuesday 4 February) the Leader of The Highland Council Cllr Raymond Bremner along with the Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee Cllr Ken Gowans visited the depot of D&E Coaches following the completion of the deal for the council to acquire the business.

    There to meet them was the former owner Donald Mathieson, who started the business nearly 30 years ago with one minibus. Speaking to the media who were invited along to the depot yesterday afternoon he said:

    “We’ve taken the company as far as we can and I’m now ready to retire from the business. Moving forward, we feel that the Council taking on ownership is the best move for the company, and everyone concerned, including our staff and customers.”

    There will however still be a family connection to the business as Donald’s daughter Gayle McEwan is taking on the role of General Manager.

    The Council spends around £25m on school and public transport throughout the region, with well over 300 separate contracts.  The last tendering round saw an increase of £8m in one financial year, which led to the Council setting up an in-house bus team. 

    Council Leader Raymond Bremner said: “I see this deal very much as a positive move forward. D&E operate a significant number of school contracts for the Council, so we now can take ownership and look for opportunities in future tendering rounds to compete more effectively. However, I want to stress that we intend to operate D&E very much as a going concern so it’s business as usual. I wish Gayle all the very best in her role and we look forward to maintaining the legacy and service standards set by Donald and the whole team over the course of many years.”   

    Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “Purchasing D&E Coaches on behalf of Highland Council is a fantastic opportunity and offers us more flexibility moving forward. D&E is a well-established company, and we’re delighted to have reached a deal. We’re looking forward to working with the same team who have a wealth of experience which will be of great benefit to Highland Council.”

    Earlier in the day the Council launched its new shopper service – the “108 Shopper Bus”, which will run every Tuesday and Thursday starting at Torvean Park and Ride. The route will be going through all the housing areas along Sir Walter Scott Drive (Distributor Road) to include Holm Dell, Culduthel Mains, Slackbuie, Miller Street, Boswell Road. It will then pass through the back of Inshes Retail Park and then go through the UHI Campus to the Inverness Shopping Park.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Joy, Music, and Community Come Together to Celebrate Martin Luther King Legacy

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Smiles, singing, and spirits soared at the 2025 Dr. Marting Luther King Living Legacy Convocation last Friday at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. The event featured performances from UConn’s gospel choir, Voices of Freedom, and special guest Grammy-nominated Gospel artist, Todd Dulaney.

    MLK Legacy Awardees also received recognition during the event. The Living Legacy Convocation was organized by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

    Jonelle Reynolds, director of diversity and inclusion initiatives at UConn, gives remarks during the Dr. Martin Luther King Living Legacy Convocation at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    The convocation has grown since last year, with a full awardee selection committee, more submitted nominations, and a ceremony in a bigger space with a pre-event reception.

    Jonelle Reynolds, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, served as co-chair of the awardee selection committee and emcee for the evening.

    Reynolds says she hoped the event would give attendees a chance to breathe and to take a break from stressful news around the world.

    “Anxiety, fear, frustration, anger, hopelessness – those are negative feelings that have been impacting some of our communities,” she says. “This is really an opportunity for people to put all of that aside and just be present in the room with each other.”

    Guest poet Nadia Sims performed a new piece, “Reclaiming My Slice,” that was inspired by her wanting to live and prosper freely as a Black woman and as an American, she says.

    Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment at UConn Nathan Fuerst gives Alexis Monteiro, a residence hall director at UConn, the 2025 MLK Legacy Award for staff during the Dr. Martin Luther King Living Legacy Convocation at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    “I want to get to a place where being American is enough to secure and pursue happiness and liberty and life,” Sims says. “Martin Luther King had a dream and that is my dream – to just do what I need to do as a citizen and have that be enough.”

    After recipients received their awards, Voices of Freedom took the stage and brought energy to the audience. Directed by Lisa Clayton, attendees united with the voices on stage as a giant choir with all voices tuned in the right key.

    “I am excited that Voices of Freedom was asked to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our amazing students shared their melodious voices to help create an incredible night,” Clayton says.

    The highlight of the evening was Todd Dulaney’s performance. He performed many of his gospel hits and had everyone in the Jorgensen Center on their feet dancing and singing along. Members of Voices of Freedom even had the opportunity to display their vocal talent when several members had solo moments during Dulaney’s set.

    “I’m so glad I came,” one smiling audience member said. “It really was great way to end the week and it way good way to kick off Black History Month.”

    Award winners included a mix of students, staff & faculty, alumni, and community members:
    Undergraduate Student: Andy Zhang
    Graduate Student: Adanma Akoma
    Faculty: Kate Capshaw
    Staff: Alexis Monteiro
    Team: CAHNR Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Strategic Vision Implementation Committee
    Alum: N. Chineye (Chi) Anako
    Community Member: Nelson Merchan

    Based on the crowd’s response, the celebration will continue to grow and be a highlight for many.

    “I want it to be not just something that people are excited about in the UConn community but the entire Connecticut community,” Reynolds says.” “My hope is that five years from now it’s even bigger and the Jorgensen Center will be packed.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson wins fight against Biden-era woke policies, government overreachRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced a court victory in fighting government overreach and Biden-era woke policies. The U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota ruling in favor of a 21-state coalition, including South Carolina, stopped a federal agency from making any more regulations and threw out an agency rule that was based on ideology instead of science. 

    “This is one of the many examples of woke bureaucrats making rules they didn’t have the authority to make, and with no accountability to the American people,” Attorney General Wilson said. “Now, we’ve gone back to upholding the rule of law.” 

    Besides exceeding the agency’s authority, this unlawful rule would have delayed essential construction projects in South Carolina and all states by requiring reevaluation of potential environmental impact of those projects. 

    The case challenged a regulation written by the Council on Environmental Quality (“CEQ”), which was itself created by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (“NEPA”). That act requires all federal agencies to analyze what kinds of environmental effects are likely to result from federal action. NEPA set up the CEQ to “make recommendations to the President” and “develop and recommend to the President national policies that foster and promote the improvement of environmental quality.” 

    However, CEQ exceeded its authority by going from giving “recommendations to the President” to setting regulations on its own. The Court ruled, “The plain text of the statute does not give CEQ authority to issue binding regulations.” 

    U.S. District Judge Daniel M. Traynor concluded his ruling by writing, “The first step to fixing a problem is admitting you have one. The truth is that for the past forty years all three branches of government operated under the erroneous assumption that CEQ had authority. But now everyone knows the state of the emperor’s clothing and it is something we cannot unsee.” 

    Joining South Carolina in the case, led by Iowa and North Dakota, were the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. 

    You can read the ruling here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi signs order to promulgate revised regulations on military equipment research

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

    BEIJING, Feb. 5 — Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed an order to promulgate a set of revised regulations on scientific research related to military equipment.

    The regulations set rules for the quality control, cost management, acceptance procedures, support measures, and safety and confidentiality issues of relevant work.

    The regulations, comprising 49 articles in eight chapters, will take effect on March 1.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from ŠilutÄ—s District Municipality of Klaipedos County in Lithuania suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Import of poultry meat and products from Šilutės District Municipality of Klaipedos County in Lithuania suspended
    Import of poultry meat and products from Šilutės District Municipality of Klaipedos County in Lithuania suspended
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 5) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Šilutės District Municipality of Klaipedos County in Lithuania, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.     A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Lithuania for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, no poultry meat was imported into Hong Kong from Lithuania last year.     “The CFS has contacted the Lithuanian authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 5, 2025Issued at HKT 19:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivers keynote address at 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias in New Delhi today

    Source: Government of India

    Union MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivers keynote address at 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias in New Delhi today

    Reaffirms India’s commitment to global pharmaceutical standardization and regulatory convergence

    “IMWP serves as a vital platform to foster international collaboration in pharmacopoeial science and regulatory harmonization”

    Releases IPC Newsletter 2024 and a special IPC video film which showcase India’s advancements in pharmacopoeial science

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 4:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel delivered the keynote address at the 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias (IMWP), hosted by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), here today. The meeting brought together global pharmacopoeial leaders, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on key issues related to pharmaceutical standards and harmonization.

    Addressing the gathering, Smt. Patel reaffirmed India’s commitment to global pharmaceutical standardization and regulatory convergence. She highlighted India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World” and emphasized the importance of ensuring access to high-quality medicines globally. She stated that the IMWP serves as a vital platform to foster international collaboration in pharmacopoeial science and regulatory harmonization.

    On this occasion, the Union Minister also released the IPC Newsletter 2024 and a special IPC video film, which showcase India’s advancements in pharmacopoeial science and the Commission’s efforts in ensuring high-quality pharmaceutical standards. The video film can be accessed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCdAZodvOSM.

    Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, underscored the significance of global partnerships in strengthening pharmaceutical quality standards. She reiterated India’s efforts in aligning regulatory frameworks with international best practices and ensuring the availability of safe and effective medicines worldwide.

    Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Secretary-cum-Scientific Director, IPC, and Drugs Controller General (India), highlighted IPC’s contributions in setting global benchmarks in pharmacopoeial science. He elaborated on IPC’s initiatives, including the IP Online platform, which enhances accessibility and usability of Indian Pharmacopoeia standards. He emphasized the role of scientific advancements and regulatory cooperation in shaping global pharmaceutical standards.

    Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, commended India’s leadership in pharmacopoeial standard-setting and emphasized the importance of regulatory harmonization in ensuring patient safety and public health.

    The 15th IMWP is set to facilitate discussions on key focus areas, including:

    • Updates on recommendations from the 14th IMWP and review of progress on harmonization initiatives.
    • Emerging issues in impurity assessment (Q3) and the implications of ICH Q6 guidelines on pharmacopoeial monograph specifications.
    • Defining the IMWP Charter to establish a long-term governance structure for the forum.
    • Enhancing collaboration among global pharmacopoeias and regulatory bodies, with updates from the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG).
    • Promotion of environmental sustainability in pharmacopoeial practices and pharmaceutical manufacturing standards.
    • Finalization of reports for the 15th IMWP and preparatory discussions for the 16th IMWP.

    The deliberations during the IMWP will reinforce the role of pharmacopoeias in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. The outcomes of the meeting will guide future collaborations in standard-setting and regulatory harmonization.

    The 15th IMWP, which commenced today, will conclude on 7th February 2025. The discussions held over these three days will set the stage for further strengthening global pharmacopoeial cooperation and enhancing pharmaceutical quality assurance.

    ***

    MV

    HFW/MoS-15th IMWP Keynote Address/05th February 2025/1

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister condoles the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 4:10PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. PM lauded him as a visionary, who dedicated his life to service and spirituality. He hailed his contributions in areas like health, education, rural development and women empowerment.

    In a post on X, he wrote:

    “Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. He was a visionary, who dedicated his life to service and spirituality. His contributions in areas like health, education, rural development and women empowerment will continue to inspire several people. I will always cherish my interactions with him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the millions of followers and admirers across the world.”

     

     

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    MJPS/SR

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chairs a high-level review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chairs a high-level review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government is committed to wipe out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir

    The ecosystem of terrorism in J&K has been weakened due to the sustained and coordinated efforts of the Modi government

    Union Home Minister directed all security agencies to step up the fight against terrorism with the goal of ‘zero infiltration’

    Our goal should be to uproot the existence of terrorists

    Terror funding from the proceeds of the narcotics trade has to be curbed with alacrity and rigour

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 3:40PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi today. The meeting was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, yesterday also held an important review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Home Secretary and other senior officers of MHA and Army.

    Addressing the meeting, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is committed to completely wipe out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. He said that due to the sustained and coordinated efforts of the Modi government, the terrorism ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir has been significantly weakened. The Home Minister directed all security agencies to step up the fight against terrorism by aiming for the ‘zero infiltration’ goal. He asked all security agencies to take more stringent action on infiltration and acts of terror with a ruthless approach. He said that it should be our goal to uproot the existence of terrorists.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the narco network is providing support to infiltrators and terrorists to carry out their activities. He said that there is a need to take prompt action against terror funding from the proceeds of the narcotics trade with alacrity and rigour.

    Shri Amit Shah directed the agencies to make new appointments in the posts of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in view of the timely implementation of the new criminal laws.

    Shri Amit Shah emphasised the Modi government’s ‘policy of zero tolerance’ against terrorism to achieve the goal of a terrorism-free Jammu and Kashmir. He directed all security agencies to remain vigilant and continue to work in synergy to eliminate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Union Home Minister appreciated the efforts of the security agencies for significant improvement in all parameters of the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.

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    Raj Kumar/Vivek/Ashutosh/Pankaj

     

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    Read this release in: Hindi

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 3,300 Entries Received for WAVES 2025 “Reel Making” Challenge with participation from 20 Countries and across India

    Source: Government of India

    Over 3,300 Entries Received for WAVES 2025 “Reel Making” Challenge with participation from 20 Countries and across India

    From Digital Reels to Global Deals: Winners to gain unprecedented access & recognition; Finalists to compete globally with Ministry’s endorsement

    Themes of Viksit Bharat”, highlighting India’s existing technological & infrastructure advancements, and “India @ 2047” reflected in the reels

    Present India’s innovation journey by showcasing creativity and vision for the country’s progress; 15th March, 2025 to be the last date of registration

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 3:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The “Reel Making” challenge at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 has received an overwhelming response, with 3,379 registrations from across India and 20 countries.

    Create in India

     The competition, launched as a key initiative under WAVES 2025, highlights India’s growing influence as a global hub for media and entertainment while also reflecting the country’s rapidly expanding digital creator economy. It aligns with the Government of India’s “Create in India” vision, empowering talent from across the nation and beyond.

    The competition has seen notable international participation from Afghanistan, Albania,  the United States, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, UAE, Australia, and Germany, among others. This global reach highlights the increasing influence of India’s creative sector and the appeal of WAVES as a premier platform for content creators worldwide.

    Tawang to Port Blair: Soaring nationwide storytelling surge

    Domestically, the challenge has drawn entries from diverse and remote locations across India, including Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Dimapur (Nagaland), Kargil (Ladakh), Leh, Shopian (Kashmir), Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Teliamora (Tripura), Kasaragod (Kerala) and Gangtok (Sikkim). The strong response to WAVES’ “Reel Making” challenge from smaller towns and emerging creative hubs reflects India’s rich storytelling traditions and growing digital creator ecosystem.

    As part of the challenge, participants above the age of 20 are required to create reels on themes such as “Viksit Bharat”, highlighting India’s existing technological and infrastructure advancements, and “India @ 2047”, envisioning the nation’s future growth in these sectors. These themes provide a platform for storytellers to present India’s innovation journey through concise 30-60 second films, showcasing their creativity and vision for the country’s progress.

    The winners of the Reel Making challenge will receive exclusive opportunities, including:

    • An invitation to a Meta-hosted event and a reels masterclass in 2025.

    • All-expenses-paid access to WAVES 2025, where they will be honored.

    • Ministry support for finalists to participate in international-level content creator competitions.

    • Winner reels will be showcased in the prestigious WAVES Hall of Fame, on the official WAVES website, and social media platforms.

    ‘Make in India, Make for the World’

    WAVES 2025 takes its inspiration from Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and mission to provide a new global identity to India’s creative prowess and establish India as a premier destination for media, entertainment, and content creation. This Summit will bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to discuss emerging trends, foster collaborations, showcase India’s rich creative ecosystem and to implement PM’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’

    With participation covering almost the entire length and breadth of India and 20 other countries so far, the Reel Making challenge stands as a testament to India’s diverse and dynamic storytelling landscape, reinforcing its standing as a powerhouse in the global Media & Entertainment industry.

    For more details, visit: https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New York ETO welcomes Year of Snake (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    New York ETO welcomes Year of Snake (with photos)
    New York ETO welcomes Year of Snake (with photos)
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         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) hosted its annual Hong Kong Spring Reception on February 4 (New York time), welcoming close to 400 guests (tbc) from government agencies, businesses, think tanks, non-profits, academic institutions, cultural organisations and the media to usher in the Year of the Snake.      The Director of the HKETONY, Ms Maisie Ho, extended a warm welcome to attendees and highlighted Hong Kong’s resilience and recent accomplishments amid global challenges.     “This year, we welcome the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac – a symbol of wisdom, adaptability, and transformation. The snake sheds its skin to embrace new beginnings, reminding us that change, though sometimes challenging, is essential for growth. In many ways, this symbolism resonates deeply with Hong Kong’s journey. We have always been a city that adapts, innovates, and thrives in the face of change.”     “In 2024, Hong Kong maintained its position as one of the world’s top four IPO venues, raising a total of US$10.6 billion. Invest Hong Kong also had a record-breaking year, assisting 539 overseas and Mainland companies – including 24 from the United States – to set up operations in Hong Kong. We also saw an all-time high of 15 126 non-Hong Kong companies registering in the city,” she shared.     Ms Ho further emphasised the strength of Hong Kong’s economic ties with the US, noting that Hong Kong is home to 1 390 US firms, the highest in recent history. “The US is one of Hong Kong’s leading trading partners and consistently enjoys trade surplus with Hong Kong over the years. Over the past decade, there has been a trade surplus amounting to US$270 billion,” she said.     During her address, Ms Ho expressed gratitude to the “Hong Kong Family” – the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), and the Hong Kong Association of New York – for their on-going support.      The evening was further enriched by a special performance featuring three talented Hong Kong musicians: violinist Ding Yijie, erhu player Yang Enhua (both from the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong), and professional pianist Laurina Hong. Sponsored by the HKETONY and Cathay Pacific, the trio presented a captivating selection of music blending Eastern and Western traditions, showcasing Hong Kong’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.      Hong Kong’s creativity was also celebrated with two striking inflatable art installations by local creative brand Chocolate Rain. These pieces were part of the “Hong Kong Meets America – Pop Art Exhibition” at the American Dream Mall last October, adding a unique touch to the evening’s festive atmosphere.     Additionally, the HKTB featured renowned wine and spirits expert Anthony Giglio, who shared his insights into Hong Kong’s bar scene and introduced the evening’s signature cocktail, “The Cloud Nine”, which added a distinctive and flavourful touch to the celebration.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 5, 2025Issued at HKT 16:45

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and mobile applications (Apps) related to China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and mobile applications (Apps) related to China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited
    Fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and mobile applications (Apps) related to China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited
    ******************************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and Apps, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.           The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).           Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites, login screens or Apps concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 5, 2025Issued at HKT 16:35

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurates NIELIT Centre of Excellence in Chip Design at Noida

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurates NIELIT Centre of Excellence in Chip Design at Noida

    A significant step toward advancing India’s capabilities in semiconductor design and development

    CoE to boost VLSI & Chip design skills by offering state-of-the-art facilities for research, innovation, & training of talent pool to meet global semiconductor demands

    CoE Project Lab to act as hub for innovation & collaboration in chip design; Smart Classroom to transform semiconductor education with advanced learning tools

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 1:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurated the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Chip Design at its Noida campus yesterday. This initiative, established in association with SoCTeamup Semiconductors Pvt Ltd, a DPIIT-recognized startup, marks a significant step toward advancing India’s semiconductor design and development capabilities.

    The launch of the NIELIT Centre of Excellence in Chip Design is in line with the government of India’s vision of s semiconductor technology capabilities and furthering India’s emergence as a global leader in Electronics and IT.

    The new Centre of Excellence is poised to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the semiconductor and chip design industries by offering state-of-the-art facilities for research, innovation, and training in VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) and Chip Design.

    Fostering Research, Innovation, and Training in VLSI and Chip Design

    With a vision to become a global leader in semiconductor innovation, it aims to advance VLSI and chip design while empowering India as a hub for cutting-edge electronics and IT. By fostering world-class education, research, and industry collaboration, the Centre seeks to drive innovation and develop a highly skilled talent pool to meet global semiconductor demands, strengthening India’s position in the global electronics and IT sectors.

    During the inauguration, Shri. S. Krishnan toured the Centre’s cutting-edge facilities, including the Project Lab and Smart Classroom. The Project Lab will serve as a hub for collaboration on innovative chip design projects among students, professionals and researchers. Meanwhile, the Smart Classroom, equipped with advanced teaching aids, will provide an immersive learning experience for students.

    A special demonstration of VLSI-based Intellectual Property (IP) was also conducted, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to advancing the design and development of intellectual properties in the semiconductor sector. The demonstration highlighted the Centre’s role in building a strong knowledge base in VLSI and cultivating a pool of talent to meet the growing needs of the industry.

    About NIELIT: 

    The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. NIELIT focuses on promoting Education, Training and Research in Electronics, IT and related technologies. The Centre of Excellence in Chip Design, established in collaboration with SoCTeamup Semiconductors Pvt Ltd, is the latest initiative in NIELIT’s commitment to innovation and technological excellence.

    About SoCTeamup Semiconductors Pvt Ltd:

    SoCTeamup Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd. is a DPIIT-recognized startup that specializes in technology solutions in the domain of VLSI and SoC Design. With a focus on innovation and excellence, SoCTeamup is committed to advancing the semiconductor ecosystem in India.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CARGO VOLUME HANDLED BY INDIAN PORTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 1:38PM by PIB Delhi

    The cargo volumes handled by Indian Ports in FY 2024 and trend over the last three years is as under:   

    Year

    Cargo handled by Major Ports

    (Million Tonnes)

    Cargo handled by Non- Major Ports (Million Tonnes)

    Total

    (Million Tonnes)

    2020-21

    672.68

    575.04

    1247.72

    2021-22

    720.05

    598.63

    1318.68

    2022-23

    784.31

    650.00

    1434.31

    2023-24

    819.23

    721.00

    1540.23

    The government has taken various steps to streamline logistics for export-oriented industries such as the construction of new berths, terminals and parking plazas, mechanization / modernisation / optimisation of existing berths and terminals, streamlining of processes through digitalisation, expansion of hinterland connectivity through rail and road, etc.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarabananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TRENDS IN CARGO WEIGHT AND SIZE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 1:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The cargo handled at Major Ports has increased from 581.34 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 819.23 million tonnes in FY 2023-24, a CAGR of 3.5 % which is comparable to global standards. During 2023-24, the cargo handled consisted of 33.80% liquid bulk, 44.04% dry bulk, and 22.16% container cargo. Infrastructure development and capacity augmentation of Major Ports is a continuous process. It involves the construction of new berths and terminals, mechanization of existing berths and terminals, capital dredging for deepening of drafts for attracting larger vessels, development of road and rail connectivity, etc. Further, Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra has been approved to be developed as the mega container port in the country catering the requirement of handling new generation mega size container vessels.

    Based on consultation with Major Ports, State Maritime Boards, Ministry of Railway and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 107 road and rail connectivity infrastructure gaps for major and non-major ports have been identified and included in the Comprehensive Port Connectivity Plan (CPCP) prepared by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in September 2022. These projects aim to enhance connectivity between ports and domestic production / consumption centres.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarabananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

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    G.D. Hallikeri/Henry

    (Release ID: 2099963) Visitor Counter : 68

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects two seaborne smuggling cases with seizure of tobacco products worth about $65 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Customs detected two cases of tobacco products smuggling activities involving containers in Kwai Chung and Tuen Mun on January 27. A total of about 5 800 kilograms of suspected duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco and about 5.9 million of suspected illicit cigarettes with a total estimated market value of about $65 million and a duty potential of about $43 million in total were seized.

         In the first case, through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Customs on January 27 selected and inspected a 40-foot container, arriving from Singapore to Hong Kong and declared as carrying cosmetics, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized about 3.4 million suspected illicit cigarettes inside the container.

         In the second case, Customs at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal Customs Cargo Examination Compound on the same day examined a 40-foot container, arriving in Hong Kong from Guangdong and declared as carrying household goods. A total of about 5 800kg of suspected duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco and about 2.5 million suspected illicit cigarettes were seized therein.

         Investigations into the two cases are ongoing, and Customs will continue to trace the source and the flow of the illicit cigarettes.

         Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis, and step up enforcement actions to combat the smuggling of illicit cigarettes. Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
          
         Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
          
         Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sydney ETO holds reception in Sydney to celebrate Year of Snake (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) hosted a reception in Sydney, Australia, yesterday (February 4) to celebrate Chinese New Year.

         Over 300 guests from various sectors including political and business circles, media, academic and community groups as well as government representatives attended the Sydney reception. Among them was the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Wang Yu. The Chairman of the M+ Board, Chairman of the Tai Kwun Culture and Arts Company Limited and Vice Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board, Mr Bernard Chan, was invited as the keynote speaker to share with the guests the vibrant arts and cultural scenes in Hong Kong.

         The Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said in his welcoming remarks that both Hong Kong and Australia embrace free trade, rule of law, and multiculturalism as core values, under which Hong Kong and Australia’s bilateral trade, investment situation and people-to-people ties flourish. New South Wales, in particular, has long been a significant partner for Hong Kong in the finance, trade, tourism, and education sectors.

         “As we celebrate Chinese New Year, let us also reflect on how our collaboration can grow even stronger. With Hong Kong serving as the ‘super connector’ with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Mainland China, the opportunities for Australian businesses are unprecedented. Together, we can explore new horizons and ensure our partnership continues to thrive,” Mr Chong added.  

         In his keynote speech, Mr Chan introduced to guests the various world class venues in the West Kowloon Cultural District, including M+ museum, the Hong Kong Palace Museum and Xiqu Centre, as well as their partnerships with over 20 of the top arts and cultural institutions in the world. He also shared about the vibrant activations and inspiring exhibitions in Tai Kwun – a centre for arts, culture and heritage. Mr Chan will also speak at the Chinese New Year reception to be hosted by the Sydney ETO in Melbourne tomorrow (February 6).

         In addition to the Sydney and Melbourne receptions, the Sydney ETO will also host Chinese New Year receptions in Brisbane (February 13), Perth (February 18) and Adelaide (February 20) in Australia, and Auckland (February 25) in New Zealand, to celebrate the Year of the Snake with local communities.               

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Blessed to be at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj: Prime Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Blessed to be at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj: Prime Minister

    The Snan at the Sangam is a moment of divine connection: PM

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 12:46PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and took a holy dip in the Sangam today.

    In separate posts on X, he wrote:

    “Blessed to be at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The Snan at the Sangam is a moment of divine connection, and like the crores of others who have taken part in it, I was also filled with a spirit of devotion. 

    May Maa Ganga bless all with peace, wisdom, good health and harmony.”

    “प्रयागराज महाकुंभ में आज पवित्र संगम में स्नान के बाद पूजा-अर्चना का परम सौभाग्य मिला। मां गंगा का आशीर्वाद पाकर मन को असीम शांति और संतोष मिला है। उनसे समस्त देशवासियों की सुख-समृद्धि, आरोग्य और कल्याण की कामना की। हर-हर गंगे!”

    “प्रयागराज के दिव्य-भव्य महाकुंभ में आस्था, भक्ति और अध्यात्म का संगम हर किसी को अभिभूत कर रहा है। पावन-पुण्य कुंभ में स्नान की कुछ तस्वीरें….”

     

     

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    MJPS/SR

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Auctions of personalised vehicle registration marks to be held on February 22 and 23

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Auctions of personalised vehicle registration marks to be held on February 22 and 23
    Auctions of personalised vehicle registration marks to be held on February 22 and 23
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         The Transport Department (TD) today (February 5) announced that two auctions of personalised vehicle registration marks (PVRMs) will be held on February 22 (Saturday) and 23 (Sunday) in Meeting Room N101, L1, New Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.      “A total of 240 approved PVRMs will be put up for public sale at each auction. The lists of the marks have been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html,” a department spokesman said.      The reserve price of each of these marks is $5,000. Applicants who have paid a deposit of $5,000 should also participate in the bidding (including the first bid at the reserve price). Otherwise, the PVRM concerned may be sold to another bidder at the reserve price.      People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auctions should take note of the following points: (1) Bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after successful bidding: (i) the identity document of the successful bidder;(ii) the identity document of the purchaser (if the purchaser and the successful bidder are different persons);(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (if the purchaser is a body corporate); and(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed. Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount in the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted. (2) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of PVRM immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the Memorandum will not be permitted. (3) A PVRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate. (4) The display of a PVRM on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations. (5) Any change to the arrangement of letters, numerals and blank spaces of a PVRM, i.e. single and two rows as auctioned, will not be allowed. (6) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the PVRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the PVRM within 12 months, allocation of the PVRM will be cancelled and arranged for reallocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.      “Upon completion of the Memorandum of Sale of PVRM, the purchaser will be issued a receipt and a Certificate of Allocation of Personalised Registration Mark. The Certificate of Allocation will serve to prove the holdership of the PVRM. Potential buyers of vehicles bearing a PVRM should check the Certificate of Allocation with the sellers and pay attention to the details therein. For transfer of vehicle ownership, this certificate together with other required documents should be sent to the TD for processing,” the spokesman added.      For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of PVRM, which is available at the department’s licensing offices or can be downloaded from its website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/pvrm_auction/index.html.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 5, 2025Issued at HKT 14:30

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hongkong Post to issue “Public Architecture in Hong Kong II” special stamps (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹Hongkong Post announced today (February 5) that a set of special stamps and associated philatelic products on the theme of “Public Architecture in Hong Kong II” will be released for sale on February 20 (Thursday).
          
         Public architecture is closely related to the daily lives of people. Following the “Public Architecture in Hong Kong” special stamps issued in 2016, Hongkong Post will present a set of six stamps and associated philatelic products themed “Public Architecture in Hong Kong II”. The stamps, which feature six distinctive public buildings, namely Che Kung Temple Sports Centre, Oi!, Woosung Street Temporary Cooked Food Hawker Bazaar, GREEN@WAN CHAI, Tai Po Lung Mei Beach Building and Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, highlight the innovative construction technologies and building designs that are inclusive and environmentally friendly.
                
         Official first day covers for “Public Architecture in Hong Kong II” will be on sale at all post offices and Hongkong Post’s online shopping mall ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from tomorrow (February 6), while postcards will be available at philatelic offices only. This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and ShopThruPost from February 20, while serviced first day covers affixed with the special stamps and maximum cards will be available at philatelic offices only.
          
         A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on February 20 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.
          
         Information about this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk).                  

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: General Saïd Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence, Chief of Staff of People’s National Army, Algeria to visit India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 05 FEB 2025 11:10AM by PIB Delhi

    General Saïd Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence, Chief of Staff of People’s National Army, Algeria will be on an official visit to India from February 06 to 12, 2025. He will attend the inauguration of Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru and interact with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The Minister Delegate will attend the Defence Ministers’ Conclave on the theme ‘BRIDGE – Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement’, facilitating dialogue towards strategic partnerships. He will also hold key meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines of Aero India.

    In New Delhi, the General will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial and will be accorded a Guard of Honour. He is scheduled to meet Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.

    General Chanegriha will also visit several military institutes, including the Defence Image Processing and Analysis Centre of the Defence Space Agency, the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla and INS Hansa, the premier Naval Aviation training establishment. He is also scheduled to visit Defence & Aerospace public and private establishments including BrahMos Aerospace, Goa Shipyard Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, L&T Defence and Bharat Forge.

    General Chanegriha’s visit paves the way for continued collaboration between the militaries of India and Algeria. It will further deepen the strong bonds & historical relationship between the two friendly nations and enhance their cooperation on matters of mutual interest.

    *****

    SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2099928) Visitor Counter : 88

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: APEDA’s financial assistance schemes boost 47.3% surge in India’s fruit and vegetable exports

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:58PM by PIB Delhi

    • APEDA strengthens exporter growth with new schemes for infrastructure, quality, and market development
    • India’s fruit and vegetable exports reach 123 countries, with 17 new market added in 3 years

    The Department of Commerce through Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) provides financial assistance to its member exporters of APEDA from across the country, for export promotion of its Scheduled products, including for Fruits & vegetables, under Agriculture and Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26) in following three broad areas:

    Scheme for infrastructure Development – Financial assistance for setting up of packhouse facilities with packing / grading lines, pre-cooling unit with cold storage and refrigerated transportation etc., cable system for handling of crops like banana, pre-shipment treatment facilities such as irradiation, vapor heat treatment, hot water dip treatment and common infrastructure facilities, reefer vans and missing gap in the existing infrastructure of individual exporters.

    Scheme for Quality Development – Financial assistance for purchase of laboratory testing equipment, installation of quality management system, handheld devices for capturing farm level coordinates for traceability and testing of water, soil, residues and pesticides etc.

    Scheme for Market Promotion – The assistance covers participation of exporters in international trade fairs, organizing buyer seller meets and developing packaging standards for new products and upgrading the existing packaging standards.

    The details of financial assistance guidelines are available at APEDA Website www.apeda.gov.in under the “Scheme” tab.

    As a result of these initiatives, there has been a growth of 47.3%, in the volume of exports of fruits and vegetables between the period 2019-20 to 2023-24.

    Export data of fruits and vegetables in last five years

    Country: All

    Product: Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

     

    Value In USD Million

    Qty In Thousand MT

    Products

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

    1,282.43

    1,342.13

    1,527.63

    1,635.95

    1,814.58

    2,659.48

    3,148.08

    3,376.25

    4,335.68

    3,911.95

    Source: DGCIS

     

    Growth in terms of Volume in the last five years =47.30%

    Growth in terms of Value in the last five years= 41.50 %

    The Government maintains the record of total exports of fruits and vegetables from India. The export figures of States are compiled on the basis of the State-of-Origin code reported by the exporters in the shipping bills. Thus, the state wise data of exports of Fruits and vegetables is not available as the same is not validated by DGCI&S. However, the major states producing Fruits and vegetables are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka.

    India’s Export of Mango and Onion to World (By Variety)

    Product

    Variety

    USD Million

    Qty in MT

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    Mango

    Other Mangoes

    0.00

    25.42

    23.48

    33.26

    36.18

    0.00

    15795.09

    17448.90

    17257.28

    23786.16

    Kesar

    0.00

    2.92

    6.91

    4.97

    11.25

    0.00

    983.73

    2319.08

    1749.97

    3787.01

    Alphonso (Hapus)

    0.00

    6.08

    10.09

    7.84

    8.68

    0.00

    3195.86

    5994.86

    2829.76

    2673.39

    Banganapalli

    0.00

    1.46

    3.01

    2.00

    3.20

    0.00

    830.55

    1674.04

    856.91

    1081.68

    Chausa

    0.00

    0.05

    0.05

    0.03

    0.24

    0.00

    40.98

    25.64

    19.72

    488.26

    Langda

    0.00

    0.08

    0.16

    0.12

    0.19

    0.00

    48.99

    122.16

    70.02

    81.94

    Dasheri

    0.00

    0.09

    0.11

    0.06

    0.17

    0.00

    49.50

    75.92

    34.70

    75.54

    Totapuri

    0.00

    0.07

    0.17

    0.20

    0.16

    0.00

    47.47

    151.01

    116.60

    91.95

    Mallika

    0.00

    0.03

    0.09

    0.06

    0.07

    0.00

    41.40

    61.16

    28.81

    38.17

    Mangoes , Fresh/Dried,

    56.11

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    49658.68

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    Total Mangoes

    56.11

    36.20

    44.07

    48.54

    60.14

    49658.68

    21033.57

    27872.77

    22963.77

    32104.10

    Onion

    Other Onions Fresh of Chilled

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    434.78

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    1606683.97

    Rose Onions Fresh of Chilled

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    38.94

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    0.00

    110755.38

    Onions, Fresh/Chilled

    324.20

    378.49

    460.56

    561.38

    0.00

    1149896.84

    1578016.57

    1537496.85

    2525258.35

    0.00

    Total Onions

    324.20

    378.49

    460.56

    561.38

    473.72

    1149896.84

    1578016.57

    1537496.85

    2525258.35

    1717439.35

     

    Source: DGCIS

     

    Note :- ITC HS Code with (*) mark of the Commodity is either dropped or re-allocated

     

    In FY 2023-24, India’s exports of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables reached 123 countries. In the last 3 years, Indian fresh produce entered 17 new markets, some of which are Brazil, Georgia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Czech Republic, Uganda, Ghana etc. This has been achieved through a host of measures such as participation in international trade fairs, actively pursuing market access negotiations, organizing buyer seller meets etc.

    Department of Commerce is working in close coordination with the MoA&FW in prioritizing agriculture products for market access negotiations to reach new markets. As a result, India has achieved new market access in following commodities in the last three years:

    • Indian Potatoes and Onions in Serbia
    • Baby corn and fresh banana in Canada
    • Pomegranate arils in Australia, USA, Serbia, and New Zealand
    • Whole pomegranates in Australia via Irradiation treatment

     

    The barriers in accessing new markets differ from product to product and are dynamic in nature. Some of the major barriers in accessing new markets for fruits & vegetables are:

    • Long geographic distance from India raising the costs of logistics.
    • Delay in grant of market access by importing countries for certain products.
    • Stringent Phyto-sanitary requirements imposed by some importing countries.
    • Delay in registration of enterprises in certain countries.

    To address the above issues, various steps are being taken by the Department of Commerce:

    • For expand market access to our products, MoA&FW & APEDA have identified key products and key countries for intensifying market access negotiations.
    • Development of Sea protocols for horticulture products to reduce logistic expenses and to enable larger volume of exports.
    • Regular follow up with the counterpart authorities of importing countries with support of our Missions abroad for registration of facilities and market access negotiations.
    • For meeting stringent Phyto-sanitary requirements, setting up of traceability system and a system of farmer and facility registration.

     

    This information has been provided by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2099814) Visitor Counter : 374

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First application under New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme supported by Vetting Committee and number of smart production lines supported under New Industrialisation Funding Scheme exceeding 100

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    First application under New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme supported by Vetting Committee and number of smart production lines supported under New Industrialisation Funding Scheme exceeding 100
    First application under New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme supported by Vetting Committee and number of smart production lines supported under New Industrialisation Funding Scheme exceeding 100
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) announced today (February 5) that the New Industrialisation Vetting Committee under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) has supported an application under the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme (NIAS) submitted by Jean-Marie Pharmacal Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Jacobson Group, covering the life and health technology sector. The project plans to set up smart production lines for sterilised eye drops, oral solid dose and oral liquid dose. This is the first NIAS project supported by the Vetting Committee. The total cost of the project is projected to be around $600 million, and the expected NIAS funding amount involved will be around $200 million.           At the same time, the ITC announced that the number of new smart production lines supported by the Vetting Committee under the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme (NIFS) has exceeded 100 since the launch of NIFS, involving industries such as food manufacturing and processing (including health food), textiles and clothing, construction materials, medical devices, nanofiber materials, new energy, pharmaceutical (including Chinese medicine), electronics, printing and product accessories with a total estimated project cost of around $1.3 billion, of which $930 million came from private investment.           The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said, “The Government proactively engages in innovation and technology (I&T) industry development. By launching the NIFS and the NIAS, we aim to promote new industrialisation and secure room for high-quality development in Hong Kong. We are glad to see that enterprises are actively participating in the two funding schemes, making use of I&T to achieve smart production and enhance competitiveness. The Government will continue to assist more enterprises to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong and support local enterprises in technology upgrade and achieving new industrialisation, so as to foster the development of Hong Kong’s manufacturing industry and diversified economy.”           The Chief Executive announced in the 2023 Policy Address the establishment of the $10 billion NIAS, which was launched in September 2024. The NIAS provides funding support on a 1 (Government): 2 (enterprise) matching basis for enterprises engaging in industries of strategic importance (i.e. life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, advanced manufacturing and new energy technologies) and contributing no less than $200 million to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong. For each project, the minimum total project cost is $300 million. The enterprise has to contribute no less than $200 million, and the Government will cover a maximum of one-third of the total approved project cost or $200 million, whichever is lower. Each enterprise can receive up to $200 million in funding under the NIAS.           In addition, the Government encourages enterprises with approved projects under the NIAS to carry out research or increase their scale of research in Hong Kong by providing additional funding for them to engage research talent, as well as facilitating such enterprises in employing non-local talent required for setting up or operating the new production facilities in Hong Kong.           The NIFS aims to subsidise manufacturers on a 1 (Government): 2 (enterprise) matching basis to set up new smart production lines in Hong Kong. The funding ceiling for each project is one-third of the total project cost or $15 million, whichever is lower. Each enterprise can carry out up to three projects concurrently to receive a maximum total funding of up to $45 million under the NIFS.           The NIAS and the NIFS are open for applications throughout the year. Details are available on the website of the Innovation and Technology Fund (www.itf.gov.hk). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the schemes (Tel: 3655 5678; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 5, 2025Issued at HKT 11:50

    NNNN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MEDIA RELEASE – SVSG Nofotane Samoa Social Enterprise Project Continues to Empower Women through Life-Skill Trainings.

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    (28 January 2025 Apia)

    To start afresh for 2025 and empower community women, SVSG conducted Life-Skill training for Ma’agiagi women of all ages. This initiative focused on building their capacities with basic skills that can facilitate economic development within families and communities.

    The NSSE project which aims at Nofotane women and their husbands envisions a Souvenir Shop in the near future. Thus, SVSG continues to support these women in enhancing their entrepreneurial capabilities, enabling them to produce commercial products for income.

    Through the NSSE project funded by the European Union (EU), SVSG engaged community women to share their talents in cooking, reviving handicrafts, and printing materials for clothing. The goal is to empower these women to embrace their creativity and develop sustainable sources of income for their families by leveraging their life skills and talents.

    Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a major issue in Samoa, particularly affecting community women and Nofotane. SVSG is committed to supporting these women to become economically stable within their families, aiming to reduce domestic violence and related family issues that stem from unstable incomes.

    On a Tuesday morning, Ma’agiagi community women gathered to discuss and exchange skills, focusing on traditional crafts such as making ‘Elei,’ crafting flowers (‘Sei’), and cooking pork buns (keke pu’aa). The young Nofotane women expressed their joy in learning from the experienced community women who shared invaluable life skills.

    President Siliniu. Lina. Chang expressed her passion for reaching out to empower Nofotane women, encouraging them to utilize their talents to support one another.

    ‘’This sharing of life skills aims to create stronger families and communities’’, said Siliniu.

    As SVSG celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year, engagement with Nofotane women in the fight against Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) remains a continuous commitment in their ongoing work in Samoa.

    END.

    SOURCE – Samoa Victim Support Group

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