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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Think critically, adapt to unforeseen circumstances & leverage latest technology to gain strategic advantage in today’s times: Raksha Mantri to military leaders at National Defence College, New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Think critically, adapt to unforeseen circumstances & leverage latest technology to gain strategic advantage in today’s times: Raksha Mantri to military leaders at National Defence College, New Delhi

    “Need to stay prepared to tackle the possibility of adversaries weaponising day-to-day tools & tech”

    “Ability to anticipate, adapt & respond will define our readiness to deal with emerging challenges”

    Govt’s focus is to make a technologically-advanced & future-ready military, says Shri Rajnath Singh

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 2:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the military leaders to think critically, adapt to unforeseen circumstances and leverage latest technological advancements to gain a strategic advantage in today’s ever-evolving geopolitical landscape. Addressing the MPhil Convocation ceremony of 62nd National Defence College (NDC) course (2022 batch) in New Delhi on October 19, 2024, he urged the officers to become strategic thinkers who are capable of anticipating future conflicts, understanding global political dynamics and leading with both intelligence & empathy.

    “Warfare, today, has surpassed the traditional battlefields and now operates in a multi-domain environment where cyber, space & information warfare are as critical as conventional operations. Cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns and economic warfare have become tools that can destabilise a whole nation without a single shot being fired. There is a need for military leaders to possess the ability to analyse complex problems and devise innovative solutions,” Raksha Mantri said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh described the rapid technological advancements in today’s times as the most crucial force which drives the evolution of a future-ready military. “From Drones and Autonomous Vehicles to Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Quantum Computing, the technologies shaping modern warfare are evolving at a breath-taking pace. Our officers must understand these technologies and be able to harness them,” he stated.

    Raksha Mantri exhorted the defence officers to carry-out in-depth analysis on how best to leverage niche technologies, such as AI, which has the potential to revolutionise military operations. He also stressed on the need to decide on the threshold level of the decisions AI is allowed to take, highlighting the importance of human intervention. Increasing reliance on AI in decision-making processes can raise concerns about accountability & the potential for unintended consequences, he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the need to stay prepared to tackle the possibility of adversaries weaponising the tools and technologies used by people on a daily basis. “The mere thought that our adversaries exploiting the tools serves as a reminder of the urgency with which we must prepare for these threats. Institutions like NDC must evolve their course curriculum to not only incorporate case studies on such unconventional warfare but also to drive strategic innovation. The ability to anticipate, adapt & respond will define our readiness in the face of ever-evolving challenges,” he said.

    On the aspect of ethical dilemma faced by military leaders about the extent to which machines should make life-and-death decisions, Raksha Mantri said academic learning in ethics, philosophy and military history will provide officers with the tools to handle the sensitive subject & make sound decisions. He highlighted the critical role played by defence academic institutions, such as NDC, in instilling the moral framework in future leaders to deal with the challenges of present-day warfare. He urged the officers to have a firm grasp of geopolitics, international relations & the complexities of global security alliances, as the decisions made by them can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the battlefield and into the realm of diplomacy, economics & international law. 

    Shri Rajnath Singh voiced the Government’s resolve of developing a technologically-advanced and agile military, capable of responding to emerging threats & safeguarding national security. He asserted that while efforts are being made to ensure that the Armed Forces remain future-ready and resilient, defence institutions like NDC play a pivotal role in shaping the perspectives of military leaders & equipping them with the expertise necessary to handle the complexities of modern-day warfare.

    Raksha Mantri added that the curriculum of academic institutions must remain dynamic and adaptable to ensure its relevance to practitioners in the field. He described the challenges of modern warfare, ethical dilemmas, and strategic leadership as not just topics for reflection, but the foundation upon which the future of India’s national security will be built. 

    Emphasising that learning must be a continuous process not confined to the duration of a course, Shri Rajnath Singh suggested the introduction of online, short-term modules on critical subjects to extend the reach and impact of NDC. “This would allow more officers, irrespective of their geographical location or time constraints, to benefit from the knowledge and expertise offered by such a prestigious institution,” he stated.

    Raksha Mantri termed the extensive and well-established alumni network of NDC as an untapped resource that can play a pivotal role in this initiative. By leveraging the experience and insights of its alumni, NDC can foster a thriving, collaborative learning ecosystem that continuously enriches the professional development of defence personnel, he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the officers of the 62nd NDC Course who were awarded the MPhil degree, especially those from friendly countries. He termed them as a bridge between India and their respective nations. He added that challenges and concerns shared during the course would pave the way for enhancing the collective security and prosperity in the region.

    Defence Secretary-designate Shri RK Singh, Commandant NDC Air Marshal Hardeep Bains, Registrar, University of Madras Professor S. Elumalai, senior officers of Ministry of Defence and faculty members of NDC were present on the occasion.

     *******

    SR/Savvy/KB

    (Release ID: 2066290) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Beware of Dog! | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/ X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #31K #K9

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_W1EZXRWp0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CLOSING CEREMONY OF MALABAR 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 1:28PM by PIB Delhi

    The Sea Phase of MALABAR 2024 concluded on 18 Oct 24 at Visakhapatnam. This edition of MALABAR, witnessed participation of warships with their integral helicopters, long range maritime patrol aircraft and submarine. Units participated in complex and advanced exercises in the domains of surface, sub-surface and air warfare. Major exercises included surface weapon firings, anti-air shoots, air defence exercises, anti-submarine warfare exercises, extensive operations of ship borne helicopters, seamanship evolutions including fueling from tankers and maritime interdiction operations.

    MALABAR 2024 Sea Phase serves as a testament to the commitment of participating nations towards enhancing understanding, collaboration and engagement in the maritime domain as the world grapples with increasingly complex maritime security challenges.    

    The sea phase culminated with a Closing Ceremony that included a review of operational aspects of the Sea Phase and enabled all participating navies to interact and exchange views by sharing experiences and best practices.

    ______________________________________________________________

    VM/SKY                                                                                                

    (Release ID: 2066287) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken at the Secretary of State’s Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions Ceremony – 11AM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks at the second annual ceremony for the Secretary of State’s Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions at the State Department of State, on October 21, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derry students pose questions to Councillors at Let’s Talk event

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Derry students pose questions to Councillors at Let’s Talk event

    21 October 2024

    Pupils from seven of the city’s secondary schools had the opportunity to ask elected representatives from Derry and Strabane District Council about matters that affect them at a specially arranged discussion event to celebrate Good Relations Week.

    The Let’s Talk event was held at the Waterfoot Hotel and was attended by pupils from St Joseph’s Boys’ School, St Brigid’s College, St Columb’s College, Lisneal College, Thornhill College, Foyle College and St Cecilia’s College.
    Students posed questions to Councillors from Sinn Fein, the SDLP, DUP, UUP, People Before Profit and an Independent Councillor.

    The event was organised by Council’s Good Relations section of Community Development and hosted by Communications expert Paul McFadden.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, addressed the event and praised the young people for their positive contribution.

    “I was delighted to address the Good Relations Week Let’s Talk event and hear from the young people and learn more about what is important to them,” she said.

    “The students showed a deep understanding of a wide range of issues including the Gaza situation, violence against women and drug use in their areas.

    “Well done and thank you to everyone who took part and the Council’s Good Relations team for organising and excellent event.”

    Further information about Good Relations Week and the Council’s Good Relations team and programmes is available on the Council website at derrystrabane.com/community/good-relations.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Delegates from Islamic body hail Xinjiang’s stability, development

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Performers dance at the grand bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A 32-member delegation, including representatives of multiple countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and officials of the OIC General Secretariat, visited northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Oct. 16 to 19 at the invitation of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The delegates toured cities like Turpan, Hami and the regional capital Urumqi, expressing their admiration for the social stability, harmony and collaborative development among the region’s diverse ethnic groups.

    The delegates emphasized the potential for collaboration in counter-terrorism, development and combating misinformation, underscoring the importance of international unity in the fight against terrorism.

    After visiting an exhibition on counter-terrorism and de-radicalization efforts in Xinjiang, Boubacar Gouro Diall, Mali’s representative to the OIC, stressed the importance of the shared global fight against terrorism. He noted that countries must unite to combat this threat while cautioning that some countries covertly instigate terrorism to undermine the stability of others and seize their resources.

    The Malian diplomat said that China is not the sole victim of misinformation and called for greater international cooperation to counter false narratives.

    Coulibaly Drissa, Cote d’Ivoire’s representative to OIC, stressed that social stability is crucial for sustained development. “Social stability is very important everywhere in the world. Only with social stability can we promote global peace.”

    Tourists visit the ancient city of Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The delegation also visited local mosques and Islamic institutes, with Tajikistan’s OIC representative, Akram Karimi, hailing the Chinese government’s commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring religious freedom. He praised the efforts to preserve the cultural traditions and heritage of Xinjiang’s ethnic minorities.

    During visits to local e-commerce enterprises and solar energy facilities, many representatives expressed interest in expanding economic cooperation with Xinjiang. Cameroonian diplomat Dewa Moustafa emphasized the potential for collaboration in the energy sector, particularly given his country’s rich solar resources.

    “The northern region of Cameroon also has abundant solar energy resources, but they are not being effectively utilized, leading to a power shortage. I hope my country can collaborate with the local government of Xinjiang in the energy sector,” Moustafa said.

    Hani Abdulwhab M. Kashif, Saudi Arabia’s deputy OIC representative, lauded Xinjiang’s achievements, calling them a source of pride not only for China but also for its friends. He underscored the importance of increased interaction to present a more accurate picture of Xinjiang to the world.

    Many delegates, including Naser Kamali Dolat Abadi, Iran’s acting representative to the OIC, have visited Xinjiang more than once and expressed their admiration for the positive atmosphere among local residents striving for a better life.

    Xinjiang is experiencing rapid development, with diverse ethnic groups preserving their unique cultures while enjoying a high quality of life, the Iranian diplomat said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDONESIA – President Prabowo Subianto takes office as Head of State

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) – The new Indonesian Head of State, Prabowo Subianto, has officially taken office as the eighth President of the country, after the handover from outgoing President Joko Widodo.In his first speech as President, Prabowo promised to eradicate corruption and strive for the country’s self-sufficiency in food and energy. Gibran Rakabuming Raka, son of former President Joko Widodo, took over as Vice President. Prabowo, who continues to cultivate relations with the former President, could appoint Widodo to a leading role in the Presidential Advisory Council (“Wantimpres”), in order to consolidate support for the still popular Widodo and his supporters. Proabowo’s government consists of 48 ministries with a total of over 100 ministers and secretaries of state. Prabowo’s executive differs in some respects from that of Joko Widodo, as some ministries have been split or renamed: for example, the previous ministries of education and culture and environment and forests are now separate. In an effort to maintain continuity with the past, the reappointment of Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister is notable. A former director general of the World Bank, Sri Mulyani was involved in reforming the tax system under two presidents before Prabowo. He is the man who will implement Prabowo’s major programs, such as the one that caused a stir during the election campaign: the announced distribution of free meals to some 83 million children in public schools and to pregnant women to combat growth problems. This plan has already been criticized by those who consider it too expensive, as it will burden the state budget with USD 28 billion. According to analysts, Prabowo otherwise shows a general intention to continue Joko Widodo’s policies, especially in the economic field. Given Prabowo’s background as a former general and defense minister, analysts predict that many posts will be given to members of the military and that his administration will seek to strengthen military capabilities and modernize defense equipment. According to the president’s presentation, investments in defense will be part of a broader effort to boost economic growth. In foreign policy, Indonesia is expected to assert its role as a founding member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and the president will seek to increase Indonesia’s influence on regional and international issues. The new president’s first official trip, meanwhile, will be to China, with the aim of strengthening trade ties and economic cooperation while seeking potential investors for the mega-project of the new Indonesian capital Nusantara, which is being built on the island of Borneo. The ambitious project was launched under his predecessor Widodo, and the new president will now have to push it forward, whereas so far the lack of foreign investment has severely slowed the project. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 21/10/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/MEXICO – In the state of Chiapas: Indigenous priest and human rights activist murdered

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 21 October 2024

    San Cristóbal de Las Casas (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic community of Chiapas shares in these hours pain and prayers after the murder of an indigenous priest parish priest in the Cuxtitali neighborhood of San Cristobal de las Casas. The attack on Father Marcelo Pérez Pérez, as the victim was called, occurred on his way back from the parish of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, in San Cristobal de las Casas, where he had celebrated mass. According to the ongoing investigation, two armed men on motorcycles approached the car in which Father Marcelo was sitting and shot him on Sunday morning, October 20.Known for his work for justice and peace in the region’s indigenous communities and as a mediator in conflicts in areas such as Pantelhó, where violence and insecurity have increased significantly and armed groups have long fought for control of the territory, the priest had received a number of death threats over the years, including for his actions and denunciations of the actions of armed groups in the region.Due to the constant threats, the diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas had decided to transfer him from the municipality of Simojovel to the parish of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. “Chiapas is a time bomb, many people have disappeared, been kidnapped and killed by organized crime,” he said in an interview last September 13 during a peace rally attended by parishioners from the three dioceses of Chiapas. In August 2024, he confirmed that a bounty of one million pesos (almost 50,000 euros) had been placed on his life in Simojovel, but that he would continue his peace process under the protection of God. “I have a divine mandate,” he told the newspaper “El Sol de México” on August 2, 2024. The son of peasant parents, he was born in the municipality of Chichelalhó, in San Andrés Larráinzar (Chiapas). He attended the seminary, was ordained a priest on April 6, 2002, and began his ecclesiastical work as a parish priest in Chenalhó, where he had contact with the survivors of the Acteal massacre in 1997. He worked as a human rights activist for decades and lived in Simojovel for more than 10 years. He coordinated the Social Pastoral Care of the province of Chiapas, which includes the dioceses of the municipalities of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Tapachula and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and supported indigenous religious organizations and groups, led pilgrimages and initiated activities on health, poverty and violence in Simojovel. After being a priest for 10 years as parish priest in Chenalhó and 10 years in Simojovel, he was responsible for the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe for more than two years.In 2010 he was awarded the “Per Anger 2020” prize, which is given to people and organizations that work for human rights and democracy. Meanwhile, the Bishop Emeritus of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel, expressed his deep sadness and recalled that Father Marcelo was one of the first indigenous priests from the Tsotsile ethnic group that he ordained. “He always worked for justice and peace among the indigenous peoples, especially in Simojovel, and accompanied the victims of internal violence in Pantelhó,” said Cardinal Esquivel. According to the Cardinal, the priest never engaged in party politics, but always fought for respect and justice between communities: “He fought for the values of the Kingdom of God to come alive in the communities. The values of truth and life, holiness and grace, justice, love and peace.” “Father Marcelo Pérez was a living example of priestly commitment to the neediest and weakest in society. His pastoral work, which was characterized by his closeness to the people and his constant support for those most in need, leaves a legacy of love and service that will remain in the hearts of all those he touched through his ministry,” said the Mexican Bishops’ Conference in a communiqué on the priest’s violent death, signed by its President Rogelio Cabrera López and its Secretary General Ramón Castro Castro.”The murder of Father Marcelo not only deprives the community of a pastor who was committed to his people, but also silences a prophetic voice that fought tirelessly for peace, truth and justice in the Chiapas region. Marcelo Pérez was a living example of priestly commitment to the neediest and weakest in society,” said the Bishops’ Conference. The bishops are calling on the authorities to “conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation that will lead to clarifying this crime and bring justice to Father Marcelo Pérez,” and “to take effective measures to ensure the safety of priests and pastoral workers” and “to redouble their efforts in the fight against violence and impunity that plague the Chiapas region” and the country in general.Meanwhile, the Chiapas State Attorney’s Office is investigating the murder.The Mexican Secretariat for Security and Protection of Citizens sent a message of “solidarity with the Catholic community and the commitment of the Mexican government that there will be no impunity.” (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 21/10/2024)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Enjoy and evening of Doric Banter and Beats at Aberdeen Art Gallery

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    A special event presenting a modern take on the North East region’s mother tongue of Doric takes place at Aberdeen Art Gallery on Friday (26 October). 

    Supported by the Doric Board, Banter and Beats will showcase some of the best up-and-coming local talent in an evening of spoken word and music. The event, which takes place in the Art Gallery’s Cowdray Hall, is offered on a ‘pay what you can’ basis. No booking required. 

    The programme is hosted by Aiberdeen Mannie (Duncan Dallas), a social media influencer from Aberdeen. His short and funny videos on day-to-day life as a ‘middle-aged mannie fae Aiberdeen’ have seen him amass over 16k followers on Instagram. He was nominated as Scots Media Person of the Year at the Scots Language Awards in 2022.  
     
    The evening’s line-up includes: 
     
    Jackill (Jack Hughes), an influential rapper, writer and producer from Aberdeen. He has been involved in the Scottish Hip-Hop scene for over ten years and released his debut album A Day With The Jackal to acclaim in 2019. Five years in the making, the album is driven by Jackill’s social commentary about the world around him. Alongside being a musician, he works in local communities delivering workshops to young people and adults experiencing barriers to the arts. 

    Aberdeenshire folksinger Iona Fyfe has become one of Scotland’s finest singers. In 2021, she became the first singer to win the coveted title of Musician of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Iona is a fierce advocate for the official recognition of the Scots Language, leading a successful campaign to pressure Spotify into recognising Scots and add it to its list of languages. Honoured at the Scots Language Awards with the title of Speaker of the Year in 2021, Iona performs both folk and pop songs in the Scots language, remaining true to her rooting in tradition. 

    Spoken word artist and writer Jo Gilbert’s debut poetry collection, WTF is normal anyway?, was published by Seahorse Publications in August 2022. Jo’s work is influenced by a myriad of things – music, art, poetry, film, history, prose, photography, sound, landscape, class, and people – filtered through personal experience and innumerable factors that weave the direction our creative paths take. Jo was a recipient of a Micro-Commission Award from Aberdeen Art Gallery in 2020. 
     
    Banter and Beats – an Evening of Doric 
    Friday 25 October 
    Aberdeen Art Gallery – Cowdray Hall, 7:30pm-9pm (doors open 7pm) 
    Pay what you can to support our programme 
    Café open for refreshments.  

     
    View of Aberdeen exhibition is on display in Gallery 15 at Aberdeen Art Gallery (Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 11am-4pm, admission free), and is a constantly evolving exhibition which aims to reflect people’s views on Aberdeen as a city to live and work in.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China willing to carry out more IP cooperation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China is willing to carry out more pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries in the field of intellectual property to benefit more countries and peoples, said Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing.

    He made the statements while delivering a speech during the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property World Congress on Saturday, after reading out President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter to the congress.

    Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said President Xi’s letter fully reflects the great importance China attaches to intellectual property work. China will speed up the improvement of its legal system, management system, policy system and rule system for intellectual property to further stimulate the vitality of innovation of the public and better serve high-quality development and promote Chinese modernization.

    He noted that China is ready to carry out more practical and mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries in the field of intellectual property, work together to firmly uphold the multilateral intellectual property system with the World Intellectual Property Organization at its core, and promote the improvement of international rules and standards for intellectual property.

    He added that the country is willing to work together with other countries to build a global intellectual property governance structure featuring extensive consultation, joint contributions and shared benefits, so that the fruits of scientific and technological innovation will benefit more countries and peoples and better improve the well-being of mankind.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s grain barn reaps bumper harvest of soybean

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A farmer pours green soybeans into a basket in Guancang of Jintang County, Chengdu of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, June 19, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Soybean harvesting in China’s major soybean producing area of Heihe in Heilongjiang Province is near completion, poised for a bumper harvest, according to the city’s agricultural authority on Wednesday.
    The harvesting has been completed in more than 90 percent of Heihe’s 1.38 million hectares of soybean planting area, which was 10 percent faster than that of last year, said Su Hui, deputy director of the city’s agriculture and rural affairs department.
    He said that the soybean production this year has been orderly. In harvested areas, growers and the local authorities have started to carry out soil conservation and preparation for achieving high yield next year.
    “Heihe’s soybean output this year is poised to increase, compared to that of last year, which should partly be attributed to high-quality soybean varieties and improved planting technology,” said Jia Hongchang, a researcher with the Heihe branch of the Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
    Heilongjiang, China’s major grain barn, is the country’s largest soybean-producing province. Heihe alone produces about one-seventh of the country’s soybean output. The city’s soybean output in 2023 amounted to 2.6 billion kg.
    Jia said that the province has accelerated the construction of the soybean seed breeding bases for developing high-quality seeds. Heihe’s plantation areas have realized a 100-percent coverage rate of high-quality soybean seeds.
    With the faster pace of harvesting, big grain purchasers are moving up their stock.
    “These days, our purchase volume has risen sharply to reach more than 300 tonnes a day at the highest. All of our 80 sets of automatic soybean oil pressing machines have powered on for processing soybeans,” said Chen Liang, chairman of Heilongjiang Xuda Cereals, Oils and Foods Co., Ltd.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Vacation town set to open near Universal Beijing Resort

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A new vacation town, located next to Universal Beijing Resort, is set to open in the second half of 2025. 
    Named “Wanli,” this ambitious commercial and entertainment complex spans nearly 500,000 square meters and represents an investment of over 10 billion yuan. 
    The project aims to introduce a variety of international brands and first stores to Beijing’s sub-center, enhancing the area’s appeal as a destination for leisure and tourism.
    The project includes three major sections: the Wangfujing WellTown outlet shopping center, the Nous Land Hotel, and the Tingyun Micro-Vacation Town. 
    Wangfujing WellTown, covering 190,000 square meters, is slated to become the largest outlet shopping center in Beijing. It will feature over 500 well-known domestic and international brands, with a focus on experiential retail, including art, sports, and entertainment, making up 50% of the space. Additionally, more than 60% of the brands will be debuting in Beijing’s sub-center.
    Tingyun Micro-Vacation Town is set to become a new hotspot for creative and experiential tourism. The town will feature unique elements such as a commercial street, a night market, boutique hotels, Tingyun Park, a live music venue, hot springs, and other themed attractions. The entire town will blend retail, lodging, music, art, and technology to create a distinctive vacation destination for Beijing residents and visitors alike.
    Meanwhile, the Nous Land Hotel promises to attract fashion lovers with its infinity pool and stunning views of the Universal Beijing Resort’s light shows. 
    Major construction work, including Wangfujing WellTown and the Nous Land Hotel, has largely been completed, and the steel structure for Tingyun Town is nearing 90% completion. Once operational, the complex is expected to draw over 40,000 visitors daily, injecting new energy into the local economy and supporting the high-quality development of Beijing’s cultural and tourism sector.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese scientists develop novel high-efficiency solar cell

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An international team led by scientists with the Institute of Chemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a new type of high-efficiency solar cell.
    The perovskite-organic tandem solar cell can achieve a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 26.4 percent, the highest efficiency for such solar cells to date, according to Li Yongfang, an academician and a researcher at the institute.
    Perovskite solar cells and organic solar cells represent the next generation of solar cells. Compared to the currently widely used crystalline silicon solar cells, they offer advantages such as ease of preparation, light weight and the ability to be fabricated into flexible devices.
    These features present significant application prospects in areas such as portable energy, building-integrated photovoltaics and indoor photovoltaics.
    The novel cell utilizes wide-bandgap perovskite materials to absorb short-wavelength sunlight and the narrow-bandgap organic active layer to absorb near-infrared long-wavelength sunlight, Li said.
    He added that this combination significantly expands the usable solar spectrum and effectively enhances the energy conversion efficiency of the device.
    The study was published in the journal Nature. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing logs 1.7M inbound trips by foreigners in 3 quarters

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    More than 1.7 million foreign nationals entered the Chinese capital in the first three quarters, a year-on-year increase of 156.6%, according to the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.
    The number of cross-border travelers at Beijing ports reached nearly 13.7 million from January to September, more than doubling that of the same period last year. The figure also surpassed the total number of entries and exits for the whole of last year.
    China’s optimized visa-free policy, together with measures aimed at facilitating international travel, has substantially helped to increase the number of foreign travelers arriving in Beijing.
    According to the Beijing border inspection office, most of the foreign travelers who entered through Beijing in the first three quarters of the year originated from Russia, the U.S., the Republic of Korea, Germany, and Malaysia. 
    During the period, 580,000 foreigners entered Beijing under visa-free policies, with 46,000 benefiting from the 144-hour transit visa exemption, representing six-fold and 3.4-fold increases year on year, respectively.
    The Beijing General Station of Exit-Entry Frontier Inspection has implemented multiple measures facilitating services for foreign travelers, including promoting the use of electronic boarding passes with 14 airlines, and piloting self-service printing of entry cards for foreigners to reduce waiting time. Moreover, additional channels and waiting areas have been installed at busy checkpoints.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway put into operation

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

    Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway put into operation

    Updated: October 21, 2024 20:22 Xinhua
    A crew member helps a senior passenger get on the train G9227, the first train of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway, at Laizhou Railway Station in east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. The Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway was put into operation on Monday, increasing the total operational length of high-speed railway in Shandong to 3,047 kilometers. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Passengers holding tickets pose for a group photo with the train G9227, the first train of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway, at Laizhou Railway Station in east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on Oct. 21, 2024 shows a bullet train running past the Changping grand bridge of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway in east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members taking part in the inauguration ceremony of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway pose for a group photo on the train G9227 in east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members of the culture and tourism department of Yantai present a gift to a constructor of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway on the train G9227 in east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 21, 2024 shows bullet train G9227 arriving at Laizhou Railway Station in east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Liu Wei, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, displays a calabash on the train G9227, the first train of the Weifang-Yantai high-speed railway in east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 21, 2024 shows bullet train G9227 arriving at Laizhou Railway Station in east China’s Shandong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: CSW Industrials Announces Date for Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CSW Industrials, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSWI) announced that it will release its earnings results for the fiscal second quarter ended September 30, 2024 on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, before the market opens. The Company will host a conference call the same day at 10:00 am Eastern Time to discuss the results.

    Participants may access the call at 1-877-407-0784, international callers may use 1-201-689-8560, and request to join the CSW Industrials earnings call. A live webcast will also be available at https://cswindustrials.gcs-web.com.

    A telephone replay will be made available shortly following the conclusion of the call and until November 13, 2024. Participants may access the replay at 1-844-512-2921, international callers may use 1-412-317-6671, and enter access code 13749338. An archived replay of the call will also be available on the Investors portion of the CSWI website at http://www.cswindustrials.com.

    About CSW Industrials
    CSW Industrials is a diversified industrial growth company with industry-leading operations in three segments: Contractor Solutions, Specialized Reliability Solutions, and Engineered Building Solutions. CSWI provides niche, value-added products with two essential commonalities: performance and reliability. The primary end markets we serve with our well-known brands include: HVAC/R, plumbing, electrical, general industrial, architecturally-specified building products, energy, mining, and rail transportation. For more information, please visit http://www.cswindustrials.com. 

    Investor Relations
    Alexa Huerta
    Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer
    214-489-7113
    alexa.huerta@cswindustrials.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Small businesses scale back loan commitments ahead of Budget

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Findings:

    • The average personal guarantee backed loan to a start-up (under 2 years old) fell in value by 38% year on year to £94,265
    • Overall, the average personal guarantee (PG) backed small business loan fell by 17.5% in value to £204,635 in Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023
    • 38% of personal guarantee backed loans are for working capital – this remains the number one reason for applying for a PG backed loan
    • In September 2024, the number of applications for Personal Guarantee Insurance exceeded any time previously, bar March 2024

    LONDON, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The latest data on loans to small businesses suggests firms are being more cautious about their financial commitments after higher levels of confidence in Q2 2024. With Budget day looming along with energy price rises, The Q3 2024 Personal Guarantee Insurance Monitor from Purbeck Insurance Services shows that small businesses have cut back the amount they are borrowing from lenders, despite promises by the Government not to raise business taxes.

    While the number of applications for personal guarantee backed loans is up 43% on 2023, The Q3 2024 Personal Guarantee Insurance Monitor shows the average loan to small businesses of all ages fell 17.5% to £204k, compared to the same period in 2023. Notably, there was a big fall in the value of loans to start-ups (under 2 years old) year on year to the lowest level recorded to date of just £94k.

    Working capital to support cashflow and to keep the business ticking along remains the number one reason for applying for a PG backed small business loan with 38% of applications for this reason. A further concern for the health of the UK economy is that the number of applications for loans to support investment in growth initiatives fell. Just 13% in Q3 2024 were for this reason from 19% in Q2 2024. Again, this suggests a deepening level of caution and wariness amongst small businesses.

    Most applications (41%) were for unsecured loans (still requiring a personal guarantee) while 19% of loans were secured/asset-backed lending. Reflecting the lower value of loans for which smaller businesses have applied, commercial mortgages were at their lowest level in a year along with asset finance.

    Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Insurance Services said: “Once again, small businesses are facing big uncertainties as we head into Winter 24/25. This is undoubtedly influencing their willingness to take on debt at a level they may not be able to service. This is a sensible approach but we must not lose sight of the fact that even so, compared to 2023, the appetite for new finance is still very much in evidence as is the demand for personal guarantee insurance to make the risk of a loan less risky for the business owner who has been asked to supply that guarantee. On average business owners are seeking £170,608 of Personal Guarantee Insurance protection from £152,039 in Q3 2023. Ultimately, small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and they need access to the funding they need to invest and grow. Right now, it appears many are simply ‘treading water’, as they await the outcome of the Budget.”

    About PGI: Personal guarantee insurance (PGI) is a product used by small business owners to protect against the risk of a personal guarantee being called in for a business loan. Lenders will ask for a personal guarantee when there are not enough assets in the business to repay the loan if the business fails. The Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance Monitor is the only source of data on the number and size of personal guarantee backed loans being secured by small business owners where insurance has been taken to protect against the risk of the loan being called in.

    Notes to Editors    

    About Purbeck Insurance Services    

    Purbeck Insurance Services is a Personal Guarantee Insurance specialist supporting Small and Medium sized Enterprises (“SMEs”) and promoting business confidence    

    Insurance policies backed by Markel International Insurance Company Limited (“Markel”), an A-Rated insurer, as rated by A.M. Best (A), Fitch (A+) and S&P (A). Markel is a shareholder in Purbeck Insurance Services.    

    Purbeck Insurance Services is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority    

    Insurance is underwritten by Purbeck Insurance Services, an authorised Managing General Agent (“MGA”) of Markel    

    Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance is annual insurance policy that provides Director(s) with insurance cover in the event their business lender calls in the Personal Guarantee (provided by the Director(s) as part of raising business finance)    
        
    Key features of Personal Guarantee Insurance:    

    • Premiums are competitively priced and based on individual circumstances    
    • Cover is available for Personal Guarantees signed to support a wide range of business finance facilities    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wearable Devices Unveils Foundational White Paper on the Future of Gesture Control and Neural Interfaces

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Yokneam Ilit, Israel, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), an award-winning pioneer in artificial intelligence (“AI”)-based wearable gesture control technology, announced the release of a landmark white paper titled, “Elevating AR Glasses User Experience with Gesture Control and Neural Wristband.” The white paper provides an in-depth and definitive analysis of emerging trends in gesture control technology, comparing camera-based solutions with wearable neural interfaces that present a clear case for the future of seamless, wrist-worn input control.

    This sweeping industry and technology analysis draws on Wearable Devices’ decade of experience developing pioneering human-computer interaction (HCI) solutions, including the Company’s award-winning Mudra Band, the world’s first neural interface wristband. Wearable Devices’ thought leadership highlights not only the current landscape of gesture control for face-worn devices but also identifies critical challenges and opportunities for improving usability, comfort and interaction quality.

    “Our far-reaching history in developing neural gesture-control technology uniquely positions Wearable Devices to provide this rigorous level of analysis,” said Wearable Devices Chief Executive Officer Asher Dahan. “Our Mudra technology represents a step forward in creating fluid and precise interactions with augmented reality (“AR”) glasses, eliminating the limitations of conventional input systems. This white paper offers key insights that help businesses and developers envision new ways to create user experiences where technology becomes an extension of natural human movement.”

    Key Findings from the White Paper

    Shift to Wearable Gesture Control for Comfort and Precision

    Traditional camera-based gesture systems often require users to maintain awkward postures or suffer from fatigue (the “gorilla arm” problem). Wearable Devices’ white paper concludes that shifting input functions to wrist-worn devices like the Company’s Mudra Band (iOS) and Mudra Link (Android) creates more natural, comfortable and sustainable user experiences.

    Extended Functionality with Sensor Fusion

    Both the Mudra Band and Mudra Link use AI, inertial measurement units (IMU) and surface nerve conductance (SNC) sensors to deliver accurate navigation and input control through wrist movements and subtle finger gestures. The white paper emphasizes that this combination enhances precision and extends functionality beyond what camera-based systems can achieve by capturing delicate movements like pinches and fingertip pressure.

    Overcoming the Limitations of Field-of-View Boundaries

    Face-worn devices equipped with cameras are inherently limited by their field of view (FOV) which restricts gesture detection. Mudra Band and Mudra Link eliminate this constraint by placing sensors on the wrist, enabling gesture control even when the hands are outside the camera’s view. The white paper concludes that this ability significantly improves user interaction by allowing more fluid, uninterrupted workflows.

    Bridging the Gap Between Device Types

    The analysis highlights how wearable input technologies can unify different face-worn devices—such as smart glasses, monocular heads-up displays and mixed reality headsets—by offering a common, adaptable interface. Mudra Band and Mudra Link both provide discrete gestures (e.g., tap, flick, pinch) suitable for minimal displays as well as point and drag gestures optimized for immersive AR and mixed reality systems.

    Reducing Device Weight and Complexity for Mass Adoption

    Wearable Devices’ study concludes that placing input-related hardware on the wrist rather than the face will drive widespread adoption of AR glasses. By offloading sensors and processors to a neural wristband, manufacturers can design lighter, more comfortable glasses with extended battery life, addressing major consumer pain points identified in competing products like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Orion.

    Toward a New Standard in Human-Computer Interaction

    Wearable Devices asserts in the white paper that the neural interface is not only a technical upgrade but also a philosophical shift—moving technology away from intrusive control schemes and toward seamless, intuitive interactions. This evolution supports the development of technology that responds naturally to human movement, setting a new standard in human-computer interaction.

    Additional Insights and Market Context

    The white paper also provides detailed comparisons between major products including Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Orion glasses, exploring the trade-offs between camera-based and wearable neural gesture control wristband. The document concludes that while camera-based systems offer initial convenience, neural wearable interfaces will prevail as the gold standard as users seek more practical and comfortable input methods for all-day wear.

    By publicly releasing this white paper to the AR industry, Wearable Devices reaffirms its role as a pioneer in neural gesture control and as a leader in shaping the future of wearable technology. Businesses, developers and innovators are invited to download the full white paper to explore in-depth analyses, research findings and actionable insights.

    The white paper is now available for download on the Wearable Devices website https://www.wearabledevices.co.il/whitepaper

    About Wearable Devices Ltd.

    Wearable Devices Ltd. is a growth company developing AI-based neural input interface technology for the B2C and B2B markets. The Company’s flagship product, the Mudra Band for Apple Watch, integrates innovative AI-based technology and algorithms into a functional, stylish wristband that utilizes proprietary sensors to identify subtle finger and wrist movements allowing the user to “touchlessly” interact with connected devices. The Company also markets a B2B product, which utilizes the same technology and functions as the Mudra Band and is available to businesses on a licensing basis. Wearable Devices Is committed to creating disruptive, industry leading technology that leverages AI and proprietary algorithms, software, and hardware to set the input standard for the Extended Reality, one of the most rapidly expanding landscapes in the tech industry. The Company’s ordinary shares and warrants trade on the Nasdaq market under the symbols “WLDS” and “WLDSW”, respectively.

    Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss the benefits and advantages of our devices and technology; our position as a pioneer in neural gesture control and as a leader in shaping the future of wearable technology; our ability to identify critical challenges and opportunities in the human-computer interaction (HCI) solutions; and the potential of the white paper to help businesses and developers envision new ways to create AR user experiences. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the trading of our ordinary shares or warrants and the development of a liquid trading market; our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 15, 2024 and our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Walter Frank
    IMS Investor Relations
    203.972.9200
    wearabledevices@imsinvestorrelations.com

    Media Contact:

    Steve Schuster
    Rainier Communications
    steve@rainierco.com
    +1-508-868-5892

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sophos to Acquire Secureworks to Accelerate Cybersecurity Services and Technology for Organizations Worldwide

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    News Summary

    • Secureworks shareholders to receive $8.50 per share in cash
    • Sophos intends to integrate solutions from both companies into a broader and stronger security portfolio for all small, mid- and enterprise customers
    • By combining complementary AI-driven security platforms powered by automated prevention, detection and response, the two organizations can deliver advanced solutions for defeating modern, persistent adversaries even faster
    • The deal is expected to strengthen the security community by bringing together two industry leaders with shared mission-driven cultures

    OXFORD, United Kingdom and ATLANTA, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sophos and Secureworks® (NASDAQ:SCWX), two global leaders of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, today announced a definitive agreement for Sophos to acquire Secureworks. The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $859 million. Sophos is backed by Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm.

    Sophos’ experience and reputation as a leading provider of managed security services and end-to-end security products, combined with Secureworks’ security operations expertise transformed into the Taegis™ platform, is expected to further deliver complementary advanced MDR and XDR solutions for the benefit of their global customer bases. Together, they will help strengthen the resilience and security posture of global organizations of any size with a combination of security controls, AI, world-class threat intelligence, and two teams with decades of cybersecurity expertise.

    Sophos expects to integrate solutions from both companies into a broader and stronger security portfolio benefiting small, mid- and enterprise customers. This includes Sophos expanding its current portfolio with other new offerings like identity detection and response (ITDR), next-gen SIEM capabilities, operational technology (OT) security, and enhanced vulnerability risk prioritization. As two partner-centric organizations, the combination of Sophos and Secureworks will enable the combined company to expand its market presence to create greater value within the channel and strengthen the overall security community.

    “Secureworks offers an innovative, market-leading solution with their Taegis XDR platform. Combined with our security solutions and industry leadership in MDR, we will strengthen our collective position in the market and provide better outcomes for organizations of all sizes globally,” said Joe Levy, CEO of Sophos. “Secureworks’ renowned expertise in cybersecurity perfectly aligns with our mission to protect businesses from cybercrime by delivering powerful and intuitive products and services. This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our commitment to building a safer digital future for all.”

    Cyber risk continues to escalate, driven by a rampant cybercriminal ecosystem and global geopolitical pressures. Combined, Sophos and Secureworks share a long history of having exceptional threat intelligence, security operations, incident response, and innovative security product capabilities that help organizations defeat these adversaries.

    “Our mission at Secureworks has always been to secure human progress. Sophos’ portfolio of leading endpoint, cloud, and network security solutions – in combination with our XDR-powered managed detection and response – is exactly what organizations are looking for to strengthen their security posture and collectively turn the tide against the adversary,” said Wendy Thomas, CEO, Secureworks. “As Joe and I both believe, this transaction will strengthen our go-to-market offering with Sophos’ global scale, expertise and reputation.”

    Transaction Details
    Under the terms of the agreement, Sophos intends to acquire Secureworks in an all-cash transaction valued at $859 million. Secureworks shareholders, including Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL), will receive $8.50 per share in cash. This represents a 28% premium to the unaffected 90-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP). The transaction is expected to close in early 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Additional information regarding this announcement can be found in the Form 8-K filed by Secureworks with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Oct. 21, 2024.

    Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel to Sophos and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC., Barclays, BofA Securities, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and UBS Investment Bank are acting as financial advisors and providing debt financing for the transaction. Piper Sandler & Company and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as financial advisors to Secureworks and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is acting as legal counsel.

    About Sophos
    Sophos is a global leader and innovator of advanced security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, including Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and incident response services and a broad portfolio of endpoint, network, email, and cloud security technologies. As one of the largest pure-play cybersecurity providers, Sophos defends more than 600,000 organizations and more than 100 million users worldwide from active adversaries, ransomware, phishing, malware, and more. Sophos’ services and products connect through the Sophos Central management console and are powered by Sophos X-Ops, the company’s cross-domain threat intelligence unit. Sophos X-Ops intelligence optimizes the entire Sophos Adaptive Cybersecurity Ecosystem, which includes a centralized data lake that leverages a rich set of open APIs available to customers, partners, developers, and other cybersecurity and information technology vendors. Sophos provides cybersecurity-as-a-service to organizations needing fully managed security solutions. Customers can also manage their cybersecurity directly with Sophos’ security operations platform or use a hybrid approach by supplementing their in-house teams with Sophos’ services, including threat hunting and remediation. Sophos sells through reseller partners and managed service providers (MSPs) worldwide. Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K. More information is available at http://www.sophos.com.

    About Secureworks
    Secureworks (NASDAQ: SCWX) is a global cybersecurity leader that secures human progress with Secureworks® Taegis™, a SaaS-based, open XDR platform built on 20+ years of real-world detection data, security operations expertise, and threat intelligence and research. Taegis is embedded in the security operations of thousands of organizations around the world who use its advanced, AI-driven capabilities to detect advanced threats, streamline and collaborate on investigations, and automate the right actions.

    Connect with Secureworks via LinkedIn and Facebook or Read the Secureworks Blog

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication includes certain disclosures which contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including but not limited to those statements related to the merger of the wholly-owned subsidiary of Sophos, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (“Parent”) with and into SecureWorks Corp. (the “Company”), with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”), including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the Merger, including the delisting from NASDAQ and deregistration under the Exchange Act the timing of the foregoing. In most cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “confidence,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “outlook,” “should,” and “would,” or similar words or expressions that refer to future events or outcomes. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Merger, are based largely on information currently available to our management and our management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions, they are not guarantees of performance. There is no assurance that our expectations will occur or that our estimates or assumptions will be correct, and we caution investors and all others not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

    Important factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include but are not limited to: (i) the completion of the Merger on the anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the Merger; (ii) potential litigation relating to the Merger that could be instituted against the Company or its directors, managers or officers, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (iii) the risk that disruptions from the Merger (including the ability of certain customers to terminate or amend contracts upon a change of control) will harm the Company’s business, including current plans and operations, including during the pendency of the Merger; (iv) the ability of the Company to retain and hire key personnel, including those with extensive information security expertise; (v) the diversion of management’s time and attention from ordinary course business operations to completion of the proposed transaction and integration matters; (vi) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Merger; (vii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (viii) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the Merger that could affect the Company’s financial performance; (ix) certain restrictions during the pendency of the Merger that may impact the Company’s ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; (x) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including but not limited to acts of terrorism, outbreaks of war or hostilities or the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health issues, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (xi) the impact of inflation, rising interest rates, and global conflicts, including disruptions in European economies as a result of the Ukrainian/Russian conflict and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the relationship between China and Taiwan and ongoing trade disputes between the United States and China; (xii) the possibility that the Merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (xiii) the ability to obtain the necessary financing arrangements set forth in the commitment letter received in connection with the Merger; (xiv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger, including in circumstances requiring the Company to pay a termination fee; (xv) the risk that the Company’s stock price may decline significantly if the Merger is not consummated; (xvi) there may be liabilities that are not known, probable or estimable at this time or unexpected costs, charges or expenses; (xvii) those risks and uncertainties set forth under the headings “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) from time to time, which are available via the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov; and (xviii) those risks that will be described in the information statement that will be filed with the SEC and available from the sources indicated below.

    These risks, as well as other risks associated with the Merger, will be more fully discussed in the information statement that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the Merger. There can be no assurance that the Merger will be completed, or if it is completed, that it will close within the anticipated time period. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. The Company does not undertake to update, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update, any of its forward-looking statements, whether resulting from circumstances or events that arise after the date the statements are made, new information, or otherwise. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from what we may have expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We caution that you should not place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements. You should specifically consider the factors identified in this communication that could cause actual results to differ. Furthermore, new risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict those events or how they may affect the Company.

    Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

    This communication is being made in connection with the pending Merger. The Company plans to file an information statement on Schedule 14C for its stockholders with respect to the Merger. The information statement will be mailed to stockholders of the Company. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE INFORMATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGER. Stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of such documents filed by the Company when filed with the SEC in connection with the Merger at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition, the Company’s stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of such documents filed by the Company at the Company’s website (investors.secureworks.com) or by e-mailing the Company’s Investor Relations department at investorrelations@secureworks.com. Alternatively, these documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from the Company upon written request by mail to SecureWorks Corp., Investor Relations, One Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30328.

    Press Contacts
    Susie Evershed
    press@secureworks.com

    Kelly Kane
    Kelly.Kane@sophos.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: With Copilot agents, Pets at Home unleashes an AI revolution

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: With Copilot agents, Pets at Home unleashes an AI revolution

    After creating a platform in Azure that unites the data from its various operations, the company is focusing on the potential of AI, he said. Pets at Home is an early adopter of Microsoft Copilot Studio, where a business can create AI agents to act in support of different areas of the business. It coincides with Microsoft’s announcement October 21 of the ability to create autonomous agents to help build capacity for every sales, service, finance and supply chain team. 

    With early access to agent-building features in Copilot Studio, Pets at Home created an agent to help its retail fraud detection team investigate suspicious transactions. The company is planning on creating other agents to assist its colleagues in other areas. 

    It’s part of the company’s embrace of a range of AI services across departments. For veterinary colleagues, that means saving time on administrative tasks to be able to spend more time focused on patients. For the business as a whole, that means unifying the data from its different operations to create a better customer experience. 

    “We have some fantastic data – there are 8 million customers in our Pets Club, with 10 million pets,” he said. “We’re using machine learning and AI algorithms to produce recommendations for next best actions.”  

    “We can give information to our colleagues in our pet care centers about our customers’ pets, and what they would typically buy or need at their life stage. We can bring that same data to life across our organization so that we’re really relevant to customers, and we’re helping them make the best decisions for their pet, whether they are in a store, online or at the veterinary practice.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Inauguration of Special Khadi Exhibition at I.N.A. Delhi Haat under ‘Khadi Mahotsav’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Inauguration of Special Khadi Exhibition at I.N.A. Delhi Haat under ‘Khadi Mahotsav’

    The special Khadi exhibition at I.N.A. Delhi Haat was inaugurated by the chief guest, Union Minister of MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, alongside KVIC Chairman, Shri Manoj Kumar.

    The exhibition has been organized to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiatives during the festive season.

    The exhibition will run until October 31, featuring 157 stalls from Khadi institutions and village industries from various states nationwide.

    Union Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi appealed to the people of Delhi to visit the exhibition and purchase Khadi products.

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 9:14AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of MSME, Government of India, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, inaugurated the special Khadi exhibition at I.N.A. Delhi Haat on Friday in the presence of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman, Shri Manoj Kumar. The exhibition is being held during the festive season as part of the nationwide ‘Khadi Mahotsav’ to promote Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns and to enhance the income of Khadi artisans. The special Khadi exhibition, organized by the State Office of KVIC, New Delhi, will run until October 31.

    The exhibition features 157 stalls from 55 Khadi institutions and 102 village industries units representing various states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Haryana, and Jammu. A wide range of Khadi and village industry products are on display, including sarees, readymade garments, handicrafts, herbal and Ayurvedic products, leather goods, handmade paper products, pickles, spices, soaps, shampoos, honey, and more, all available for purchase at different stalls. Artisans and craftsmen participating in the exhibition will also give live demonstrations of their diverse Khadi and village industry product range.

    While addressing the media at the inauguration event, the chief guest, Union Minister of MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, appealed to all citizens to purchase more Khadi and local products. On this occasion, he made a special request to the people of Delhi to visit the Khadi exhibition for their festive shopping and to buy indigenous Khadi products, thus supporting the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) campaigns in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. He further stated that the broad objective of this exhibition is to strengthen the economic condition of rural artisans and traditional craftsmen, empowering them and preserving India’s vibrant heritage of indigenous craftsmanship. This exhibition has provided the country’s artisans with an excellent platform to showcase their art.

    While speaking to the media, KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar said, _”Following the visionary approach of Mahatma Gandhi and under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the proponent of “New Khadi for a New India,” the Khadi and Village Industries sector surpassed a business turnover of ₹1.55 lakh crore in the last financial year, directly benefiting Khadi artisans across the country. Recently, on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, the wages of spinners working on the charkha (spinning wheel) were increased by 25%, and those of weavers working on the loom were raised by 7%, which is a testament to this. The KVIC Chairman further added that in his popular program ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had urged citizens to buy ‘Made in India’ products, and soon after this appeal, on Gandhi Jayanti, Delhi residents set a new record by purchasing Khadi products worth ₹2 crore 1 lakh and 37 thousand in a single day at the ‘Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan’ in New Delhi. This achievement reflects the people’s commitment to the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.”

    To enhance the visitor experience, the exhibition will also feature live demonstrations showcasing India’s rich traditional arts and craftsmanship and captivating cultural programs. This is not just an exhibition but a platform that contributes to preserving India’s indigenous craftsmanship by empowering rural artisans economically and providing them with an opportunity to display their craftsmanship.

    The event was also attended by all the officers and employees of the Ministry of MSME and KVIC.

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    SK

    (Release ID: 2066264) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ITU-WTSA 24 Robotics for good youth challenge India was held on Oct 17, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ITU-WTSA 24 Robotics for good youth challenge India was held on Oct 17, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

    Student from across 11 states participatedin ITU-WTSA Robotics Challenge to vie forreliable innovative technology solutions for addressing Disasters

    The event aims toShowcase of practical solutions in robotics to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 9:02AM by PIB Delhi

    The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (ITU-WTSA-2024) being held in New Delhi, hosted a Robotics for Good Youth Challenge as a side event.It is a prestigious National Event that is being held, as part of AI for Good Impact India, and is a qualifying tournament for the Grand Finale in Geneva during the AI for Good Global Summit 2025. Young innovators demonstrated their skills in robotics and coding in this event.

    A total of 120 teams had applied, out of which 51 were selected to present their robotics solutions here at the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge. The theme for the competition was disaster management and the winners of the junior and senior categories will go to Geneva in July 2025 to compete internationally.  The competition objectives are as follows

    • Foster inclusivity in learning robotics and coding for all students.
    • Design, build, and program robots to complete missions aligned with sustainable goals.
    • Encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and sustainable practices.

    The first challenge for the participants was to build a robotics system that saves the lives of earthquake victims. A simulation was run to mimic a real earthquake where the robots were programmed to save lives and deliver the victims to shelters and hospitals.

     

    The event witnessed Key note speeches from Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas- Deputy Secretary General ITU, Dr. Neeraj Mittal: Secretary, Department of Telecommunications. Seizo Onoe, Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), ITU Mr. Manish Sinha,Member (Finance) of Digital Communications Commission, DoT.  Other special guests includes Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin Secretary General, ITU,  Prof. S. K. Saha, Project Director, I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC).

     

    The challenge concluded with an awards ceremony, where the winners in the Senior category were Team “AI Pioneers” from “Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Delhi” & the Junior category award went to Team “Rescue Rangers” from “Sant Atulanand Convent School, Koirajpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP)”.

    ITU-WTSA 2024: Shaping the Future of Global Telecommunications

    Today’s events underscored the commitment of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly to advance technology for social good and public health. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, WTSA 2024 continues to pave the way for innovation that addresses critical global issues.

     

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    SB/DP/ARJ

    (Release ID: 2066263) Visitor Counter : 12

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo to consider Rating (Amendment) Bill 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

         The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (October 23) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Rating (Amendment) Bill 2024 will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receive its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.

         The Second Reading debate on the Shipping Legislation (Use of Fuels and Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2024 will also resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receive its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.

         On Government motion, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury will move a proposed resolution under the Hotel Accommodation Tax Ordinance to resolve that, with effect from January 1, 2025, the Hotel Accommodation Tax Ordinance be amended. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 1.

         On Members’ motions, Mr Tony Tse will move a motion on actively developing land and optimizing land use to promote the development of the economy and industries. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Louis Loong, Mr Stanley Ng, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Mr Lau Kwok-fan, Ms Carmen Kan and Mr Andrew Lam will move separate amendments to Mr Tse’s motion.

         Mr Shang Hailong will move a motion on following up on measures for new migrant talents to integrate into Hong Kong. The motion is set out in Appendix 3. Dr Johnny Ng and Mr Yim Kong will move separate amendments to Mr Shang’s motion.

         During the meeting, the Chief Secretary for Administration will present “The Government Minute in response to the Report of the Public Accounts Committee No.82 of July 2024” and address the Council.

         Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.

         The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Asia+ Festival’s multimedia dance performance “+1+1+1+” to explore new forms of artistic expression (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Asia+ Festival’s multimedia dance performance “+1+1+1+” to explore new forms of artistic expression (with photos)
    Asia+ Festival’s multimedia dance performance “+1+1+1+” to explore new forms of artistic expression (with photos)
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         Presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, this year’s Asia+ Festival is offering “+1+1+1+”, a multimedia dance performance featuring a mesmerising mix of music, dance and technology. Japanese media art pioneer Daito Manabe, the production’s director, composer and video designer, will be joined by J-pop dance artist, stage and choreography director MIKIKO with her all-female dance troupe ELEVENPLAY. Together, they are set to join forces to broaden the artistic horizons of audiences.      Manabe has worked with such artistic luminaries as Björk and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Rather than forging a sense of realism in such a way that the audience would experience really being there in his works, he is keen on highlighting interesting things about the human physique, data and programming per se, in his contemplation of the relationships and boundaries between the analogue and the digital, the real and the virtual. MIKIKO’s long list of collaborators includes rock diva Ringo Sheena and Olympic figure-skating gold medalist Yuzuru Hanyu, while her choreography is seen in celebrated performances of electro-pop group Perfume and heavy metal group BABYMETAL. She is also extensively involved in media art, and is particularly noted for her ability to fuse advanced technology with mass culture, breaking down barriers between pop and the experimental.       In “+1+1+1+”, a multimedia dance performance themed around time and structure, dancers and the richly layered performance space become an organic whole, made possible by the masterful use of motion capture and holographic projection technology. The latter creates a hyperreal realm, where the stage, lighting and music are constantly evolving to evoke a dream-like quality. Not only does “+1+1+1+” unravel the endless possibilities between humanity and technology but it brings together the structure and rhythm of traditional and contemporary arts, venturing into the uncharted territory of music, dance and technology to offer new ways of expression.       “+1+1+1+” will be staged at 7.30pm on November 8 and 9 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. A meet-the-artist session will be held after the November 8 performance. Tickets priced at $240, $360, $480 and $580 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288; or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”. For more details about the show, please refer to asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/+1+1+1+.      The second Asia+ Festival is running from September to November, highlighting the arts and cultures of nearly 30 countries from Asia, the Middle East and Belt and Road regions. Apart from stage programmes, there are also thematic exhibitions, an outdoor carnival, film screenings, outreach activities and more, numbering over 100 in total. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/.

     
    Ends/Monday, October 21, 2024Issued at HKT 18:40

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Light housing operation pact signed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Housing Bureau today awarded the second operation and management contract of the Light Public Housing (LPH) projects to Easy Living Consultant Limited & Yan Chai Hospital Joint Venture at a tender sum of about $168 million.

    The contract includes the operation and management of two LPH projects at Choi Hing Road and Choi Shek Lane in Ngau Tau Kok. Both venues will provide about 2,290 and 148 LPH units respectively, with intakes expected in the second quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.

    Under the bureau’s steer and supervision, the operating organisation will need to carry out pre-management works effectively to ensure the smooth handling of LPH application and intake matters, and provide various services and ancillary facilities for the residents and local community immediately upon intake.

    Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho pointed out that having one organisation handle the operation and management of two LPH projects in proximity could enhance flexibility and utilisation of resources, thereby increasing efficiency and expanding the service scope.

    She said: “I aspire to work closely with various operating organisations in the coming years to ensure effective operation and management, hence allowing the residents and nearby community to benefit from the projects’ ancillary facilities and community services.

    “I would also like to appeal to other organisations that are interested in operating LPH to actively participate in the tenders of other projects, thereby working together with the Government to improve the living environment of grassroots people and help them in their pursuit towards happiness.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get ready for fun with Leeds’s first ever Festival of Play

    Source: City of Leeds

    A fun-filled week-long celebration of the magic of play is set to sweep Leeds later this month with the launch of the city’s first ever Festival of Play and Creativity.

    People of all ages are encouraged to join the city-wide celebration and let loose their playful side with an activity-packed array of events taking place this upcoming half term, from October 25 to November 3.

    From performances and interactive experiences to games and workshops, the inaugural Festival of Play and Creativity aims to showcase Leeds as a great place to play and encourage people to make more time to have fun.

    The festival has been organised by Leeds Community of Play – a network of over 100 people and organisations, including Leeds City Council and its Child Friendly Leeds initiative, committed to inspiring playfulness in neighbourhoods.

    Over 60 events are already planned for the week, which aims to highlight the city’s rich cultural landscape as well as promoting grassroots community activities, with organisers hoping it will spark ideas and enthusiasm and inspire more people to embrace the power of play.

    Highlights so far include the six-day pop-up Playful Information Centre, featuring four refurbished shipping containers at Victoria Gardens, outside Leeds Art Gallery in the city centre, where a daily line-up of different artists will host activities including a ‘Conquer the Conker’ challenge, a ‘Wheel of crisps’ game, Halloween costume-making and a hot dog race.

    The information centre will also showcase all the other playful happenings across the city, which include pumpkin carving at Kirkstall Valley Farm, Lego play with digital consultancy firm Hippo Digital, a mini gig at Brudenell Social Club and story time with Hold Fast, a bookshop on a boat.

    Elsewhere across the city, community groups including Better Leeds Communities and LS14 Trust are getting involved with activities for all, resident-led playstreets will hold activities on people’s doorsteps and Leeds Libraries are providing colourful mini playboxes at various libraries, with each box boasting six drawers full of open-ended play activities.

    Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “Play is vital for both adults and children but we know it can often be overlooked in life’s priorities so it’s really great to see an event like this which showcases the power of play to people of all ages.

    “Last year we became the first city in England to commit to delivering an action plan optimising play opportunities for children and young people – a key element in helping everyone in Leeds to get the best start in life.

    “We have an incredible community of playmakers, artists and organisations in Leeds who all work hard to lead the way for play and this festival is a fantastic way to showcase and celebrate this on the city-wide stage and hopefully inspire people to embrace play in their day-to-day lives.”

    Rachel Ingle-Teare, senior librarian at Leeds Libraries, said: “Leeds Libraries are thrilled to be a key partner in the festival – a celebration that encourages the joy of play into the heart of our communities – and are proud to offer a variety of playful experiences.

    “The festival’s rich tapestry of events and activities are designed to ignite curiosity and encourage playful discovery for all ages. Join us in embracing the power of play and creativity across the city.”

    Festival co-organiser Joanne Michael, founder of Leeds business HappyAsABean Creative and a member of Community of Play, added: “Leeds is a city that knows how to play.

    “The Festival of Play and Creativity has been a real community effort fuelled by over 100 members of Community of Play over the last nine months – all keen to encourage people of all ages to value time spent playing and make more time for joy.”

    The Festival of Play and Creativity has a dedicated page on the Leeds Inspired website where all events are being listed; visit https://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/collection/FOP24. Many of the festival’s activities are free to attend, with some requiring pre-registration.

    The Playful Information Centre has been sponsored by Northern Bloc Ice Cream.

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Silver Bond allocations announced

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The subscription and allocation results for the latest batch of Silver Bonds were released today.

    A total of 300,413 valid applications, seeking a total of $69.9 billion in bond principals, were received.

    More than half of the applications, 166,177, were for 23 units or fewer. These applicants will be allocated the full number of units applied for.

    The other 134,236 applications were for more than 23 units. These applicants will be allocated 23 units each, with 23,737 of them being allocated one additional unit after a ballot.

    The bonds will be issued on Wednesday. The final issuance amount will be $55 billion.

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan said this was the first batch of Silver Bonds issued under the Government’s Infrastructure Bond Programme, which will support infrastructure projects for the good of the economy and people’s livelihoods, and aims to give citizens a sense of participation in Hong Kong’s long-term development projects.

    He highlighted that the positive response to the bond issuance shows that the Silver Bond scheme continues to be well-received by senior residents.

    “We will keep the effectiveness of the scheme and future arrangements under review, taking account of investor response, market conditions and other relevant considerations,” he added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government appoints members to Council of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government appoints members to Council of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Limited
    Government appoints members to Council of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Limited
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         The Government announced today (October 21) that the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, has reappointed the following persons as Council members of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Limited for a period of two years, until the conclusion of the company’s Annual General Meeting in 2026. Mr Andrew Fan Chun-wahMrs Nina Lam Lee Yuen-bingMr Clarence Ling Chun-kitMs Wong Shu-ming

     
    Ends/Monday, October 21, 2024Issued at HKT 19:30

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SEE attends Singapore International Energy Week in Singapore (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SEE attends Singapore International Energy Week in Singapore (with photos)
    SEE attends Singapore International Energy Week in Singapore (with photos)
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         The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, attended the 17th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) today (October 21).      SIEW is organised by the Energy Market Authority under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) of Singapore. The theme this year is “A Connected and Sustainable Energy World”. Mr Tse attended the SIEW Summit to speak on the topic of Asia’s Collaborative Journey to a Sustainable Energy Future, and engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges with other participants.      Speaking at the Summit, Mr Tse said that Hong Kong strives to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The carbon emissions in Hong Kong peaked in 2014. Compared to the peak, the carbon emissions of Hong Kong have reduced by about a quarter and the target is to reduce them by half before 2035. Hydrogen energy is a low-carbon energy with development potential. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is advancing with prudence to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy, which includes improving legislation, setting up infrastructure and funding trial projects. He said, “Our country places great emphasis on developing hydrogen technology, and has a number of high-quality products and advanced technology. Hong Kong can grab the opportunity to become a hub for the country to promote different products and technologies, helping Hong Kong and other countries to promote a green transition.”      Mr Tse also pointed out that there are three key elements to promote regional collaboration, namely political will to set policy targets, active participation from industries and the establishment of an exchange platform for sharing experiences and seeking co-operation. He expressed his gratitude to SIEW for providing an excellent platform that brings together various parties to explore new opportunities and collaboration.      In the afternoon, Mr Tse met with the Senior Minister of State for the MTI, Ms Low Yen Ling, to exchange views on hydrogen development. He later met with officials of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to learn more about the latest developments of green maritime fuel in Singapore.      Mr Tse also visited a local shipping company today and received a briefing on the supply chain and bunkering operations of green marine fuels, particularly the application of green methanol.       Tomorrow (October 22), Mr Tse will visit a local enterprise to understand better the developments and applications of sustainable aviation fuel. He will return to Hong Kong the same evening.

     
    Ends/Monday, October 21, 2024Issued at HKT 19:10

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST reviews preparatory work for test event to be held at Kai Tak Sports Park (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, visited the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) today (October 21) to inspect the construction progress of the KTSP and review the preparatory work for the test event to be held there on October 27 (Sunday).
          
         The first test event of the KTSP will take place at the Public Sports Ground on October 27, with around 1 000 invited spectators attending a local football match. With its proximity to the Sung Wong Toi Station of the MTR, it is expected that the majority of the spectators will make use of railway services to access the Public Sports Ground. The MTR Corporation Limited has made preparation for the operation arrangements of the Sung Wong Toi Station and Kai Tak Station earlier.
          
         At the visit today, Mr Yeung also asked the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (KTSPL) to ensure smooth arrangements for the test event and enhancement measures of the pedestrian facilities and the environment to provide a good experience for visitors.
          
         “The first test event at the Public Sports Ground on October 27 marks a milestone for progressing to the official commissioning of the KTSP. The Government and KTSPL will organise multiple test events and drills. With the concerted efforts of different bureaux and departments, we are confident that the test events and drills will enable us to accumulate invaluable experience for better preparation of the full commissioning of the KTSP,” Mr Yeung said.
          
         As mentioned in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, the major facilities of the KTSP will be completed by the end of this year. The KTSP, being the largest sports infrastructure project ever commissioned in Hong Kong, will be open in the first quarter of 2025. It will boost sports development and inject impetus into related industries such as recreation, entertainment and tourism, and also mega-event economy.
          
         To ensure smooth operations after its official commissioning, the KTSP will organise a series of test events and drills from end-October to the first quarter of next year. The schedule of test events will dovetail with the construction progress of the facilities in respective venues of the KTSP as well as the readiness of the operator. The test events and drills will begin from the periphery of the KTSP, followed by the testing of facilities within the precinct gradually. The number of participants at the test events and drills will also increase incrementally, from 1 000 as a start to around 50 000 participants eventually. It is expected that a total of around 150 000 to 200 000 participants will take part in the test events and drills before the official commissioning of the KTSP.                 

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