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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rakahinonga Roadshow Expands Across Aotearoa

    Source: Tapuwae Roa
    Tapuwae Roa has announced today the return of the highly anticipated Rakahinonga Roadshow, with a new series of regional one-day wānanga to be delivered this November.
    Designed for aspiring Māori entrepreneurs, the Roadshow will feature five wānanga: four in-person events in Ōtautahi, Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne), Taranaki, Porirua, and an online session to conclude the series.
    “Since launching our first Roadshow last year, we have received multiple tono to extend the wānanga to more rohe throughout Aotearoa,” says Te Pūoho Kātene. Chief Executive of Tapuwae Roa.
    “We’re excited to bring the Roadshow to Porirua, Ōtautahi, and Te Tai Hauāuru for the first time and reconnect with our whanaunga in Gisborne.”
    Delivered by Saara Tawha, the wānanga will cover the fundamentals of starting a business, equipping participants with essential skills, tools, and insights to help them bring their entrepreneurial aspirations to life.
    Building on the success of earlier initiatives such as the Tupu Accelerator, the Rakahinonga Roadshow continues to support Tapuwae Roa’s Ōhanga (Economic Emancipation) workstream.
    “Growing Māori entrepreneurs is one of our key focus areas within our mahi at Tapuwae Roa,” says Kātene.
    “By providing targeted support to our aspiring rakahinonga in their rohe, we aim to break down barriers Māori face when starting new pakihi in order to help strengthen economic resilience within hāpori Māori.”
    The Roadshow is partnering with local Māori businesses, iwi and pakihi networks to host the wānanga, including Māui Studios in Christchurch, Tāiki E! in Gisborne, Ngāti Toa Rangatira in Wellington, and He Toronga Pakihi Ki Taranaki in New Plymouth.
    “These partnerships are central to the kaupapa, as they not only support and uplift pakihi Māori in the regions but also showcase what success looks like to those attending,” says Kātene.
    Places are limited. For more information or to register, visit: http://www.tapuwaeroa.org/rakahinonga

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mpox is spreading across Victoria

    Source: Government of Victoria 3

    Key messages

    • Cases of mpox continue to increase in Victoria and other Australian jurisdictions. This outbreak is now the biggest in Victoria since the first case was reported in May 2022.
    • Mpox has mostly impacted gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), although anyone can be affected. There have now been several cases in females in Victoria and heterosexual transmission has been reported.
    • All sexually active people with compatible symptoms should be tested, regardless of sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history.
    • Remain aware of the possibility of mpox infection amongst other groups.
    • Mpox testing can be done in any primary care service (general practitioner) or sexual health clinic.
    • Vaccination should be promoted to all eligible people at risk of mpox, including second doses.
    • Free mpox vaccine is widely available for eligible people through sexual health clinics, hospitals, general practitioners, Aboriginal health services, councils and pharmacies.
    • People at risk of mpox should be aware of the current outbreak and take measures to protect themselves and others.

    What is the issue?

    Cases of mpox are continuing to increase across Victoria and other Australian jurisdictions. In August 2024, Australia recorded the second highest number of confirmed cases of mpox in the world. The mpox outbreak in 2024 is now much larger than the 2022 outbreak. As of 17 October, 330 mpox cases have been notified in Victoria since April 2024 and there have been 27 hospitalisations.

    In Victoria, mpox has mostly affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), however, it can affect anyone. There have now been several cases in females in Victoria and heterosexual transmission has been reported.

    To help prevent further transmission in Victoria, clinicians are requested to increase testing for mpox and promote vaccination in at-risk groups.

    There is an outbreak of a more severe strain of the monkeypox virus (Clade Ib) in parts of central Africa. This strain has not been found in Australia so far, but there is a risk of importation through international travel.

    For further information on mpox, see the Department of Health page on mpox.

    Who is at risk?

    In Victoria at present, GBMSM (including those who identify as heterosexual) and their sexual partners are most at risk. Venues or events where close intimate or sexual contact occurs carry a higher risk of mpox transmission, particularly where casual or group sex occurs.

    However, anyone can become infected, and anyone who has been in close and usually prolonged intimate contact with someone with mpox is at risk. While vaccination decreases the risk of mpox, those who are vaccinated, particularly if not fully vaccinated, may still become infected.

    Symptoms and transmission

    Symptoms may include lesions or rashes anywhere on the body, including the anogenital area. Other symptoms may include pain on urination (urethritis) or rectal pain, bloody stools and/or diarrhoea (proctitis). General symptoms include fever, chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. Most people experience mild illness and recover within a few weeks, but severe illness can occur.

    Mpox can spread from person-to-person through close (skin-to-skin) or prolonged contact, for example during sexual contact, as well as contact with contaminated items or surfaces, and respiratory droplets. Symptoms can occur up to 21 days after being exposed to mpox.

    Recommendations

    For GPs and other clinicians

    Who to test

    • Test all sexually active people with compatible symptoms, regardless of sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history. If testing for herpes simplex virus, test for mpox.
    • Remain aware of the possibility of mpox infection in any patient.
    • Be alert to the possibility of atypical and attenuated presentations in people who are fully and partially vaccinated. Some patients have had multiple presentations to healthcare prior to diagnosis.

    How to test

    • Most testing occurs in primary care settings and can be easily and safely done. The risk to healthcare workers is very low and can be further reduced with use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves, eye protection, gown and surgical mask. See the Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN) guidanceExternal Link for further advice on PPE.
    • Request mpox PCR on suitable swabs (e.g. rash/lesion, anorectal, pharyngeal) and send to VIDRL via your routine pathology provider. See the PHLN guidanceExternal Link for further advice on testing.

    Advice and notification

    • Advise patients to cover lesions and abstain from sexual activity while awaiting the result. Advise to wear a mask if oral, throat or respiratory symptoms.
    • Recommendations for case and contact management have recently changed. See mpox factsheetExternal Link for updates to patients who are tested for mpox. If positive, the Local Public Health Unit will provide further advice.
    • Any suspected or confirmed mpox cases should be urgently notified to the Local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 651 160.
    • If mpox is suspected in a returned traveller or someone who has had contact with a returned traveller from affected countries in Africa, contact your Local Public Health Unit immediately.

    Vaccinate

    For more information, see:

    Mpox update – Information for GP’s and clinicians

    docx 72.56 KB | Updated: 16 October 2024

    For people at increased risk of mpox

    • Take measures to protect yourself and others. Avoid sexual activity if you have any symptoms of mpox, consider limiting sexual partners, and keep contact details of new partners.
    • Mpox vaccine is free for eligible groups. Two doses of mpox are required for optimal protection. If you haven’t had your second dose, get it now. See Mpox immunisation providers listExternal Link to find a provider of mpox vaccine.
    • If you develop symptoms, restrict contact with others and get tested at your GP or sexual health clinic. Make sure to wear a mask, cover any exposed lesions and call ahead.
    • For more information on measures to prevent the spread of mpox, see:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – Weekly protests are extending further around the country as Israel runs riot and our government’s policy of appeasement towards Israel fails dramatically – PSNA

    Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    Details of our weekly solidarity protests around the country are listed at the end of this letter sent to the Prime Minister yesterday.

     

    Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

    Prime Minister

    Parliament Buildings

    Wellington

    c.luxon@ministers.govt.nz

     

    Kia ora Mr Luxon,

     

    We write to you as a matter of utmost urgency, with a rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

     

    The policy of appeasement towards Israel over the past year by western countries has failed miserably.  Israel has expanded its attacks and has abandoned all pretence of any sort of negotiated settlements.

     

    Our government is holding on desperately to a hopelessly weak and indefensible policy towards the Middle East. I have no doubt you know this.

     

    Israel is running riot with endless bombing and killing as it spreads murder and mayhem.  The majority of victims in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank are women and children – tens of thousands of children.

     

    You and I know this would never be tolerated if the victims were European.

     

    The situation has now become even more desperate and deadly with

    • Israel has refused to allow any food or supplies to be delivered since the beginning of this month to northern Gaza.  It has again unleased its firepower with absolute impunity on refugee camps and other civilian areas with the openly stated aim of ethnic cleansing of the majority of the 400,000 Palestinians who remain there.
    • Israel’s delivery of its threat to turn Lebanon into another Gaza, with attacks throughout the country, including Christian areas.
    • Israel’s endless attempts to widen the war across the region into Iran with repeated violations of its sovereignty until Iran responded – though without a single Israeli casualty.
    • Israel’s blatant attacks on UNIFIL positions and demands that UNIFIL withdraw from its mission to allow Israeli military advances further into Lebanon to achieve regime change for a Lebanese government subservient to its interests.

     

    Despite all that has happened over 12 months you have issued only platitudes “calling an all sides to exercise restraint” and condemnation of all parties Israel decides that is its enemies.

     

    You have failed to condemn Israel for anything it has ever done against the Palestinian victims of its settler colonial project and yet you have condemned every act of Palestinian resistance to Israel’s illegal occupation, genocide, and ethnic cleansing.

     

    Other countries, the UK, France, Spain, Norway, and Ireland have spoken out and taken, albeit token, action to remind Israel that it is operating outside international law.

     

    History will condemn your 12 months of complicit silence but action now can make a real difference and saves tens of thousands of innocent lives. A minimum list of actions includes:

     

    1. Condemn Israeli action against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank as war crimes
    2. Join South Africa’s case of proving genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice
    3. Implement the recent obligations specified by the ICJ under the Geneva Conventions towards ending Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Occupied Territories.
    4. Identify and ban imports of products from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
    5. End procurement of goods and services from companies identified by the United Nations as complicit in building and maintaining illegal Israeli settlements
    6. Direct the Superfund, ACC and Kiwisaver providers to divest from companies on the UN list
    7. Investigate the export of Rakon Industry components which are incorporated into US weapons which almost inevitably end in the industrial-scale killing of Palestinians.
    8. Immediately close the Israeli embassy as Israel’s propaganda and lobby outlet in New Zealand
    9. Clearly and publicly state that NZDF personnel in the Middle East will neither participate in nor provide assistance to either US or Israel attacks or preparations for attacks on Iran
    10. Publicly join other countries in condemning the Israeli military attack on UNIFIL and demand of Israel that it will cease to demand UNIFIL withdraw from any of its positions in Lebanon
    11. Reiterate New Zealand’s participation in UNTSO and demand that Israel allow UNTSO continue its work unmolested
    12. Demand Israel revoke its declaration that the UN Secretary General is persona non grata in Israel.
    13. Note and support this UN report https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/10/un-commission-finds-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity-israeli-attacks

     

    Please respond to this letter urgently.

     

    John Minto

    National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

     

    Nationwide rallies/marches/MP protests/vigils this week

     

    These are on the PSNA Facebook events page here with the basic details listed below.

     

    North Island

    Opononi – Gathering for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October 

    1.30pm

    Opononi (outside the Four Square)

     

    Kerikeri – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Whangarei – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Auckland – Picket 

    Friday 18 October 

    12:00 noon

    New World Devonport – 

    35 Bartley Terrace, Devonport,

     

    Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!

    Every Saturday

    8:00 am – 1:00 pm

    Ostend Market, Waiheke Island

     

    Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau

    Saturday 19 October 

    10:00 am

    Text John on 021 899 659 for location

     

    Auckland – Central Bike Ride for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    Meet at 12.45 to leave (ride to the rally) at 1.10pm

    Western Park. Ponsonby Road

     

    Auckland – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    2:00 pm

    Te Komititanga – Britomart Square, Tamaki Makaurau

     

    Then travel to Browns Bay for the Prayer Vigil for Gaza

     

    Auckland – Prayer Vigil @ Erica Stanford’s Office

    Aotearoa Christians for peace in Palestine will hold a Prayer Vigil to mark a year since the Israeli airstrike on St Porphyrius Church in Gaza City

    Saturday 19 October 

    4:00 pm

    85 Beach Front Lane, Browns Bay, Auckland

    https://www.facebook.com/events/s/vigil-for-gaza-st-porphyrius-c/1056552113142463/

     

    Auckland – Movie – The Last Sky

    Saturday 19 October 

    7:00 pm

    Trades Hall auditorium – 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn

    Limited seats. Tickets essential

    Admission by Koha

    https://events.humanitix.com/the-last-sky

    Director Nicholas Hanna will have a Q&A after the movie

     

    Thames – Vigil to Stop the war on Children

    (Hosted by The Basket – Social and Environmental Justice – Hauraki)

    First Saturday of the month

     

    Tauranga – Flag wave

    Sunday 20 October 

    11:00 am

    SH2 Bethlehem – By Woolworths

     

    Hamilton – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 pm

    Civic Square, Hamilton

     

    Whaingaroa/Raglan

    To be advised

     

    Cambridge – Rally for Palestine

    Every Saturday

    11:00 am

    Cambridge Town Hall

     

    Rotorua – Rally for Palestine

    Every Thursday

    4:00 pm

    Rotorua Lakes Council, Haupapa Street (Sir Howard Morrison Corner)

     

    Gisborne – Farmers Market – Vigil to Stop the war on Children

    Every Saturday

    9:30 – 11:30 am

    Gisborne Farmers Market

     

    Napier – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:30 am

    Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout

     

    Hastings – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    1:00 pm

    Hastings Town Clock – Hastings CBD

     

    Palmerston North – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    2:00 pm 

    The Square, Palmerston North

     

    New Plymouth – Flags on the Bridge

    Friday 18 September

    4:30 pm

    Paynters Ave Bridge, New Plymouth

     

    New Plymouth – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 PM 

    The Landing, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth

     

    Whanganui – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:00 am

    Riverside Market, Whanganui

     

    Carterton – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Tuesday

    12:00 midday

    Memorial Square.

     

    Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine

    Every Wednesday

    11:00 am

    The square at the top of Kitchener St, Martinborough

     

    Masterton – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Sunday

    9:30 am

    Town Hall Lawn, Masterton

     

    Featherston – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Saturday

    11:00 am

    The Squircle (opposite the op shop).

     

    Wellington – Vigil for Palestine (by Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine)

    Every Friday

    6:00 pm

    In front of Wellington Hospital

    49 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

     

    Wellington – Flags on the Bridge

    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)

    Every Friday

    7:15 – 8:15 am

    Hill Street bridge Overbridge, Wellington

     

    Wellington – Rally

    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 – 2:00 pm

    Meet at Glover Park and Hikoi down Cuba Mall and back to Glover Park

     

    South Island

    Nelson – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    10:30 am

    Rocks Road by the beach

     

    Blenheim – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:00 am

    Blenheim Railway Station

     

    Christchurch – Nobela Protest

    Thursday 17

    11:45 am

    Foodstuffs Headquarters

    167 Main North Road, Northcote, Christchurch

     

    Christchurch- Flag Waving for Palestine

    Friday 18 October 

    4:00 pm

    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

     

    Christchurch – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 – 2:00 pm

    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

     

    Timaru

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Dunedin – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Queenstown
    No Rally this weekend

     

    Invercargill – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    1:00 pm

    Wachner place Invercargill.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government must support workers following Smithfield closure

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to show leadership following the announced closure of the Smithfield meat works, and the continued loss of regional manufacturing jobs, by putting in place policies to support workers with retraining and income insurance.

    “The loss of 600 jobs will be devastating for Timaru and the communities of South Canterbury, especially during a cost-of-living crisis and an economic downturn,” said Wagstaff.

    “It is unacceptable that there has been absolutely no help for the affected workers even though the Government has known since last month that this was likely to happen. We have already seen this lack of support in other situations, such as Winstone pulp and paper.

    “The trend we are seeing in terms of the loss of manufacturing jobs in regional communities is going to have a long-term negative impact on regional economic development and on the health and wellbeing of whānau and communities.

    “Every forecast tells us that unemployment is going to rise, but nothing is being done at the government level to address it. What we are seeing is a total failure of leadership.

    “The Government is happy to underwrite private building construction but will do nothing to underwrite workers incomes.

    “We need to learn the lessons of the past and not throw workers on the scrap heap when the manufacturing sector is under pressure. Government has a responsibility to support workers with retraining and pathways into employment.

    “It is also becoming clearer by the day just how foolish it was to scrap plans for an income insurance scheme that would have helped tide workers over until they found new work,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: West Coast to offer rural and remote medicine training

    Source: New Zealand Government

    In another step towards improving New Zealand’s rural health workforce, Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has just received accreditation to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Training, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

    “This accreditation is great news for the West Coast and will help boost the number of doctors trained with the skills needed to support our rural communities,” Mr Doocey says.

    “Being an accredited ACRRM training location means the West Coast can look to attract both New Zealand and Australian graduates while continuing to develop its rural generalist model.

    “One of the five priorities of the National Rural Health Strategy is to create a valued and flexible rural health workforce and training young doctors to be rural generalists will support the delivery of this priority.

    “Generalism is particularly important in rural settings because multiple specialties are not readily accessible or clinically sustainable for those who live remotely.

    “A rural generalist can sustainably manage a broad and varied patient cohort and community need profile, while working within clinical networks of care to ensure patients get access to specialist teams if and when they need them. This has the benefit of reducing the need for patient travel by keeping care delivery local.

    Last month, the Government awarded scholarships to 27 health care students to boost the future rural health workforce.
    “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five living in our rural communities.

    “We know access to health care within rural communities, or being supported to access care when required, are key issues for rural communities. To improve access and rural health outcomes we need to invest in growing the rural health workforce.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2nd Hainan Int’l Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo kicks off in Haikou

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

    2nd Hainan Int’l Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo kicks off in Haikou

    Updated: October 18, 2024 09:43 Xinhua
    A staff member arranges alcoholic drinks from Chile during the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 17, 2024. The 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo kicked off here Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member prepares food by a robot chef during the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2024 shows candies from Japan displayed during the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member arranges food from Malaysia during the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2024 shows fungi from southwest China’s Yunnan Province displayed during the 2nd Hainan International Tropical Food Supply Chain Expo in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Canada’s dairy protection must be cracked wide open

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT is backing New Zealand negotiators to crack open hard-fought Canadian market access for New Zealand dairy exports, as agreed to in the CPTPP. Today the Government triggered compulsory negotiations over Canada’s failure to honour the CPTPP and seek compensation for our world-best exporters.

    “Restricting imports of New Zealand dairy products not only makes Canadian consumers worse off, it is also a betrayal of the long-standing friendship between our two countries,” says ACT Trade Spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar.

    “Free trade benefits Canadians by giving consumers choice of a wider range of products and fostering competition, which ultimately reduces prices. It also benefits Canadian businesses that produce products that New Zealanders want to buy. But free trade must go both ways.

    “To Canadian farmers concerned about competition, I encourage you to look at New Zealand’s experience. Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a New Zealand farmer who wants to reverse the market liberalisation reforms of the 1980s.

    “Opening New Zealand up to the world unleashed our economy, creating a generation of farmers that are the most efficient and innovative in the world.

    “Canada faces many of the same challenges as New Zealand. The ACT Party urges their Government to focus its time and resources on addressing those, rather than undermining our relationship for a cause that is actively making Canadians worse off.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway transports 5.79 mln passengers in first year

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

    Passengers board a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train on a platform of Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. The Jakarta-Bandung HSR, celebrating its first anniversary on Thursday, has transported 5.79 million passengers, according to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture between Indonesian and Chinese enterprises that built and operates the railway. Since its commercial launch in October 2023, the HSR has completed over 15,826 train trips, covering more than 2.57 million kilometers. The number of daily train services has increased from 14 at the start of operations to 52, with passenger seats rising from 8,400 to over 31,000. The highest daily ridership reached 24,132, according to KCIC statistics. [Photo/Xinhua]

    JAKARTA, Oct. 17 — The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), celebrating its first anniversary on Thursday, has transported 5.79 million passengers, according to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture between Indonesian and Chinese enterprises that built and operates the railway.

    Since its commercial launch in October 2023, the HSR has completed over 15,826 train trips, covering more than 2.57 million kilometers. The number of daily train services has increased from 14 at the start of operations to 52, with passenger seats rising from 8,400 to over 31,000. The highest daily ridership reached 24,132, according to KCIC statistics.

    The HSR is fully powered by electricity, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The KCIC said that the green energy initiative saves Indonesia around 3.2 trillion rupiahs (208 million U.S. dollars) annually in fuel costs.

    In addition, Indonesian government data indicated that between 2019 and 2023, the project contributed 86.5 trillion rupiahs (about 5.62 billion dollars) to the GDP of Jakarta and West Java.

    With a design speed of 350 km per hour, the 142.3-km high-speed railway has cut travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to just 46 minutes.

    Indonesian and Chinese staff members of China Railway Electrification Bureau Group Co., Ltd., one of the companies which take part in the construction of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), pose for photos with a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train on a platform of Halim Station along the railway in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 12, 2024 shows a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train running along the line of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) near Karawang Station, West Java, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Passengers walk on a platform of Halim Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Train cabin crew members walk in a running high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A passenger takes selfie photos with a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train on a platform of Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train enters the Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Passengers walk on a platform of Padalarang Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Padalarang, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 13, 2024 shows high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) trains stopping at a platform of Tegalluar Summarecon Station along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Bandung, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top diplomat calls for deepening China-Brazil cooperation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with a high-level Brazilian delegation led by Rui Costa, chief of staff of the presidency, in Beijing on Oct. 17, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

    China’s top diplomat Wang Yi met with a high-level Brazilian delegation led by Rui Costa, chief of staff of the presidency, in Beijing on Thursday, calling for deepening practical cooperation between the two countries.

    Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, noted that China and Brazil are the largest developing countries in the eastern and western hemispheres, respectively, with highly complementary economies, aligned development strategies and shared governance concepts.

    Under the new circumstances, the all-round strategic cooperation between China and Brazil not only serves the long-term and fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also sets a good example for the solidarity and coordination of countries in the Global South, Wang said.

    China attaches great importance to its relations with Brazil and is full of confidence in Brazil’s development prospects, Wang said, adding that China is ready to work with Brazil to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties to intensify high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation, enhance strategic collaboration and jointly build a community with a shared future.

    Costa and the other delegation members said Brazil is willing to push for more tangible results in cooperation in various fields, such as economy, trade, finance, infrastructure, green transformation, re-industrialization, and scientific and technological innovation.

    The Brazilian side is ready to enhance the strategic relationship of the two countries and push the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, said the delegation.

    The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on improving global governance and agreed to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, international fairness and justice, and to become an important stabilizing force in today’s turbulent world.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Scholz opposes tariff conflicts with China

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz visits Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. in Jiulongpo District of southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, April 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday expressed his opposition to tariff conflicts while delivering a statement to the press in Brussels.

    Scholz stressed that such conflicts lead nowhere and emphasized the importance of using the World Trade Organization to resolve trade disputes.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the European Council meeting, Scholz reiterated his stance against escalating tariff tensions with China, a point he also made in a speech to the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament, the previous day.

    He noted that major German carmakers, along with 17 EU countries, oppose the imposition of tariffs on China.

    While highlighting the need for Germany to boost its competitiveness in the electric vehicle market, Scholz emphasized that this should not be achieved through tariffs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon rises to 2,412

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Displaced people are seen in Beirut, Lebanon, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon since the beginning of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict on Oct. 8, 2023, has reached 2,412, and the number of wounded individuals has increased to 11,285, according to a report on Thursday by the Lebanese Council of Ministers.

    Meanwhile, the death toll from Israeli airstrikes on different areas in Lebanon on Oct. 16 reached 45 while injuries stood at 179, the report added.

    The report said that during the past 24 hours, 96 airstrikes and shelling were recorded in various areas of Lebanon, bringing the total number of attacks since the beginning of the Israeli “aggression” to 10,246.

    According to the report, about a third of the Lebanese people have become displaced, and there is a risk of spreading epidemics among the displaced.

    The National Committee for the Coordination of Crisis Response Operations is working with relevant ministries to secure additional shelters in various governorates to receive the displaced, it added.

    The Israeli army has launched intensive attacks on Lebanon since late September in an escalation with Hezbollah, heightening concerns about a broader war as the conflict between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 28 killed, 160 injured in Israeli bombing on school-turned shelter in N. Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At least 28 Palestinians were killed and 160 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school housing displaced people in the Jabalia camp of northern Gaza Strip on Thursday, the Hamas-run Gaza government media office said.

    Fires broke out in the tents of the displaced individuals in the schoolyard because of the bombing. Some casualties were transferred to a hospital in northern Gaza, while ambulance teams were unable to reach the people in the targeted school, according to the Palestinian official news agency WAFA.

    Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the Israeli Air Force conducted a “precise strike” on an operational meeting point for Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants in northern Gaza.

    The militants were operating inside a command and control center embedded inside a compound that previously served as the Abu Hassan School, the IDF said.

    Dozens of militants were present in the compound at the time of the strike, said the IDF, which also published 12 names of those present.

    The militants were involved in rocket attacks into the Israeli territory, as well as in planning and committing attacks against IDF troops and Israel in recent days, it claimed.

    Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the Civil Defense in Gaza, said Thursday in a statement that the Israeli army is carrying out a “systematic destruction” of the Jabalia camp, using all means, including explosive robots, to empty the camp.

    The Israeli army refuses to allow ambulances to reach the area and transport the casualties, while bodies of victims are still under the rubble, Basal said.

    Meanwhile, Gaza-based health authorities warned Thursday in a press statement that newborns in the nursery of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza are facing a humanitarian disaster due to a fuel crisis and a shortage of medicines and medical supplies amid ongoing Israeli siege of northern Gaza.

    Also on Thursday, Palestinian paramedics said they recovered the bodies of five people killed in two separate attacks on a house and a gathering north of Gaza City.

    Palestinian sources also reported at least 17 deaths on Thursday in other places across Gaza. According to the sources, three people were killed and dozens of others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a tent housing displaced people in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

    Medics told Xinhua that eight people were killed and dozens of others injured in an Israeli bombing on a house belonging to the al-Helou family west of Gaza City, while the Civil Defense Authority in Gaza said Thursday in a press statement that its team recovered the bodies of six Palestinians killed in a bombing in the town of al-Fakhari, east of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza.

    Local sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Israeli aircraft and artillery intensively bombed the outskirts of the Zeitoun neighborhood in southern Gaza and the Sabra neighborhood in the west, amidst gunfire from Israeli tanks.

    According to the IDF, its troops have killed militants and destroyed infrastructure in the area of Rafah in southern Gaza over the past day, dismantled a “terrorist cell” and located a large number of weapons in northern Gaza, and dismantled military infrastructure and killed militants in central Gaza, including in the outskirts of Nuseirat and Al Bureij refugee camps. The IDF did not specify the number of the casualties.

    Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

    The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 42,438, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: India’s extradition requests to Canada unaddressed

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    India has made 26 extradition requests to Canada, including requests for individuals wanted for crimes committed in India, but no action has been taken by the Canadian government yet, said Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal on Wednesday.

    The statement came in the wake of the recent diplomatic row between the two countries, following which India called back all its diplomats, including its high commissioner, from Canada.

    India also expelled six Canadian diplomats posted in New Delhi, asking them to leave the country by or before Saturday.

    The diplomatic row escalated after Canada accused Indian diplomats of being involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader within Canada last year. Canada called for an investigation into the role of the Indian diplomats after revoking their diplomatic immunity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China boasts robust industrial ecosystem for intelligent connected vehicles

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Oct. 17, 2024 shows new energy vehicle model SU7 produced by Chinese tech firm Xiaomi displayed during the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A comprehensive industrial system for China’s intelligent connected vehicle sector has basically taken shape, covering products and technologies such as basic chips, sensors, computing platforms and chassis control, Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong said Thursday.

    Jin made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing.

    China leads the world in human-machine interaction and is rapidly advancing toward breakthroughs in technologies like steer-by-wire and active suspension technologies, among others, the minister noted.

    According to him, the country’s intelligent connected vehicle sector currently boasts nearly 400 “little giant” firms, or novel elites of small and medium-sized enterprises that are engaged in manufacturing, specialize in a niche market and hold cutting-edge technologies.

    Five Chinese lidar companies have ranked among the global top ten in sales, while nine automotive manufacturers are piloting conditionally automated driving models, Jin said.

    To support such rapid industrial development, more than 50 cities in China have designated over 32,000 kilometers of test routes for intelligent connected vehicles and upgraded about 10,000 kilometers of roads with smart technologies.

    The 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference, running from Oct. 17 to 19, has attracted over 250 auto firms and institutions from home and abroad. More than 200 new technologies and products are expected to make their debut at the event.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of 49th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting between Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myung-Soo

    Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

    Headline: Readout of 49th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting between Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myung-Soo

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., met with Chairman of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myung-Soo virtually today during the 49th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting (MCM).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Indonesian development gets boost as Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway marks one year

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Indonesia on Thursday grandly celebrated the first anniversary of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), a landmark project as Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail.

    With a speed of 350 km per hour, the 142.3 km high-speed rail, built in cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, has slashed the journey time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to just about 40 minutes. Over the past year, the rail, affectionately called “Whoosh” for its remarkable speed, has inspired profound changes in the towns and cities along the line.

    As Indonesia marches toward its Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision, “Whoosh” has not only made rail transport more efficient and comfortable, but also plays a pivotal role in boosting the local economy, tourism, human resources and people’s livelihood.

    This photo taken on April 17, 2024 shows a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway on the platform of Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Connecting cities

    In October 2023 when the railway started operation, Indonesian President Joko Widodo revealed the name of the HSR, “Whoosh,” inspired by the train’s sound and meaning fast, efficient and reliable in the Indonesian language.

    With seamless connectivity with other transport networks such as light rail transit and shuttle buses, the sleek red and silver bullet train has made traveling between Indonesia’s key cities an efficient and enjoyable experience.

    According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (PT KCIC), a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese firms that constructs and runs the HSR, Whoosh has transported 5.79 million passengers by Oct. 17 this year, including 300,000 international tourists from 159 countries.

    An increasing number of Indonesians find this rapid transit option indispensable, as they can now spend more time with family on weekends and travel to economic hubs with ease.

    “Previously, I took a conventional train on Saturday morning and returned to Jakarta on Sunday evening,” said Halim Ali Sabhana, a 27-year-old commuter.

    “Now, since it only takes 40 minutes by ‘Whoosh,’ I can go back to Bandung on Friday afternoon after work, and arrive at my Jakarta office on Monday morning,” he told Xinhua.

    Raden Agung Wijaya, a 43-year-old business owner, said the railway has made his frequent business trips between Jakarta and Bandung much easier.

    “Instead of driving my car, I’m taking Whoosh to Bandung. Less time, and less tiring. I can meet clients on time,” he said.

    Over the past year, the number of trains per day increased from 14 initially to 52 in the peak period as the railway quickly gained popularity, with the number of passenger seats increasing from over 8,400 to more than 31,000, and the maximum number of passengers per day at 24,132.

    Catalyzing growth

    The operation of the high-speed train has created more economic opportunities, with new residential areas, markets, and shopping centers emerging around the bustling train stations.

    Lion dance performers welcome passengers on the platform at the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway’s Padalarang Station in Padalarang, Indonesia, Feb. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Small businesses are thriving in the burgeoning community-based economic ecosystem surrounding the train stations, said Bey Machmudin, acting governor of West Java. Local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have filled various kiosks at Padalarang station and Tegalluar station, Machmudin said.

    “West Java residents welcome the Whoosh train and it must be utilized as best as possible to improve the community’s economy. (Looking) ahead, we hope the MSMEs can also work with tourism associations to provide tour packages in Bandung,” he said.

    At Tegalluar station in the suburbs of Bandung, Tati Heryati, a Sundanese pancake seller, saw a five-fold increase in his daily income.

    “Previously, I could only earn 100,000 rupiahs (6.42 U.S. dollars) per day. But since Whoosh started running, I can now earn 500,000 rupiahs (32.09 dollars) a day,” Heryati told Xinhua.

    “Many of my neighbors have also become vendors here, selling everything from food and beverages to merchandise, because they can now earn more,” he said.

    The ease of travel has also drawn more visitors to destinations in West Java, ranging from Bandung’s bustling city center to previously hard-to-reach areas.

    Al Jabbar Mosque, a grand mosque located 5 km away from Tegalluar station, sees crowds of visitors from Jakarta on Sunday afternoon after the Muslim prayer time.

    Hendrawan Prasetyo, 38, said he came from Jakarta for a vacation with his wife and two children via Whoosh. “I was amazed by the speed. Whoosh has made vacations even more practical. Now we can visit tourist destinations outside the city center of Bandung,” he told Xinhua.

    Arief Syaifudin, head of the Bandung Culture and Tourism Agency, said Whoosh has greatly boosted tourism in West Java. Popular spots like Al Jabbar Mosque and Bandung’s renowned culinary scene have seen a rising influx of visitors. During the holiday season in April, hotel occupancy rates have reached 86.8 percent.

    Tourists can hop off the train to explore the surrounding areas of Bandung, Machmudin said, adding that the provincial government is collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises near Padalarang and Tegalluar stations to introduce more Bandung culinary and tourism packages to visitors.

    Cultivating talent

    The railway has also boosted talent cultivation with a collaborative platform established to speed up local technological progress. Over the past year, a total of 45,000 local technicians have received training in high-speed rail technology, including engineering, welding, and machinery, with support from the Chinese side.

    A Chinese high-speed train driver (C) instructs his Indonesian counterpart (R) inside the driving cab of a high-speed train in Bandung, Indonesia, Sept. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Wawan Setiawan, a student at the Indonesian Railway Polytechnic and one of the first Indonesian high-speed rail drivers, said that becoming a high-speed rail driver fills him with immense pride, serving as a significant source of fulfillment in his life.

    Currently, the Chinese operation team is training 600 Indonesians for 23 positions essential to the long-term maintenance and operation of the HSR.

    Local drivers have already begun operating the trains at a speed of up to 350 km per hour, marking a significant milestone in building a skilled workforce capable of supporting Indonesia’s growing high-speed rail sector.

    “Indonesia has greatly benefited from the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly through transformative infrastructure projects like the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway,” said Veronika Saraswati, director of the Saraswati Institute and a China expert.

    “This cooperation has allowed Indonesia to modernize its transportation systems, realizing long-held ambitions of building high-speed rails,” she said.

    “The positive results of infrastructure and trade cooperation between the two countries have made the Indonesian government aware that China is an opportunity,” she added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drugs, firearms, cash and vehicles seized in Whanganui search warrants

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have seized drugs, firearms, cash, motorcycles and cars following raids at two properties in Whanganui last night.

    About 7.30pm, Police teams, including the Armed Offenders Squad, executed search warrants simultaneously in Victoria Avenue and in Springvale.

    A firearm was located and seized, along with 700g methamphetamine, three motorcycles, two vehicles and more than $30,000 in cash.

    A cannabis growing operation was also uncovered.

    One person was taken into custody during the warrants, and another has subsequently presented at Whanganui Police Station in relation to the offending. Both will face drugs and firearms charges and will appear in court at a later date.

    Detective Sergeant Craig Gorringe says the well-executed operation yielded a great result.

    “These individuals threaten public safety through illegal possession of a firearm and supply of drugs to vulnerable members of our community.

    “It’s always satisfying to take firearms and drugs out of the hands of offenders and hold them to account for the significant social harm they cause.

    “We want our communities to feel safe and be safe and we work hard to this end.”

    Police urge anyone who has concerns about criminal offending by gangs in their community to contact Police so this can be investigated.

    Call 111 if there is an incident happening now, or make a report via 105 online if it is not an emergency situation.

    Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Observers appointed at Wellington City Council

    Source: Unions Wellington

    Unions Wellington’s committee last night agreed to appoint a workers’ observer to council meetings.

    Keep The Airport Ours campaign lead Sabina Rizos-Shaw said “recent issues at Wellington City Council have been caused by undemocratic manoeuvres to sell public assets and reduce public services. The solutions to problems at the council -real or perceived – is more democracy, not less. The idea that government-appointed commissioners would improve outcomes is completely baseless. The council needs more democratic input, not less.”

    To this end, Unions Wellington offers a workers observer, an elected union delegate from one of Wellington’s major employers, for public council meetings to ensure that working people can contribute to the city’s future. “We are confident that the council now understands the importance of public assets and are confident that the changes in direction for the council will put people first.”

    “Advice from council staff has at times been unclear, inconsistent and loaded towards privatisation. We are hopeful that this is now resolved and councillors will have the information they need to make fully informed decisions.”

    It is not clear that cuts are necessary. However, if there is a genuine need for cuts, Unions Wellington proposes an immediate reduction in salaries for executive staff.

    It is well documented that the executive leaders at Wellington City Council have struggled to enact council plans in a way that respects the aspirations of Wellingtonians, or deliver good fiscal outcomes. The Council’s chief executive is currently paid over half a million dollars a year, and ELT salaries are upwards of $350,000. This is compared to the mayoral salary of $190,000.

    “If cuts need to be made, in the first place this should occur at the level of exorbitant executive salaries. Rather than cutting services or selling assets, reducing senior pay to that of the Mayor would free up millions of dollars a year that could be used to protect public interests.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to improve economic, trade cooperation with Vietnam

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will work to enhance economic and trade cooperation with Vietnam, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

    Spokesperson He Yadong told a press conference that China is Vietnam’s largest trade partner, while Vietnam is China’s largest trade partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

    From January to September 2024, trade volume between the two countries reached 190.38 billion U.S. dollars, up 17.6 percent year on year.

    Vietnam is an important overseas investment destination for China. In the first eight months, direct investment by Chinese enterprises in Vietnam totaled 1.97 billion dollars, maintaining rapid growth.

    Efforts will be made to both explore and pilot the establishment of cross-border economic cooperation zones, expanding cooperation in emerging fields such as information technology, new energy and digital economy, the spokesperson said.

    Enterprises from the two countries will be supported to make full use of platforms like the China International Import Expo, the China Import and Export Fair and the China-ASEAN Expo to expand trade of agricultural and aquatic products, as well as manufactured industrial products, He said.

    Measures will also be taken to deepen cooperation related to supply chains and regional economic integration, He added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ECB cuts rates by 25 basis points as inflation fades

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on July 27, 2023 shows the Euro sign in Frankfurt, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The European Central Bank (ECB) decided on Thursday to lower three key interest rates by 25 basis points, its third rates cut this year, saying that disinflationary process is “well on track.”

    The interest rates on the deposit facility, the main refinancing operations and the marginal lending facility will be decreased to 3.25 percent, 3.4 percent and 3.65 percent respectively, with effect from Oct. 23.

    The ECB does not expect recession in the eurozone despite economic difficulties in some states, the bank’s President Christine Lagarde said at a press conference after the ECB Governing Council meeting in Slovenia.

    The decision to cut interest rates is based on the bank’s updated assessment of the inflation outlook, the dynamics of underlying inflation and the strength of monetary policy transmission, she said. “The incoming information on inflation shows that the disinflationary process is well on track.”

    Despite predicted inflation rise in the coming months, Lagarde said the ECB is determined to ensure that inflation return to the 2-percent medium term target in the course of next year. “We will keep policy rates sufficiently restricted for as long as necessary to achieve this aim.”

    The eurozone’s annual inflation rate is projected to drop to 1.8 percent in September, down from 2.2 percent in August, according to Eurostat. This marks the first time in three years that inflation has fallen below the ECB’s target.

    Lagarde did not specify when further rate cuts might be expected, noting that decisions are data-dependent.

    The next ECB Governing Council monetary policy meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12 in Frankfurt.

    The ECB cut key interest rates for the first time in five years by 25 basis points in June and again in September.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tesla yet to receive regulatory green light for FSD in China

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Multiple sources told China Daily that Tesla Inc has yet to receive regulatory approval from Chinese authorities to launch its full self-driving or FSD functions in the country and is seeking permission to gather some data on its own to train its autonomous driving system.

    The United States vehicle maker announced last month on the social platform that it expected to launch FSD in China in the first quarter of 2025. “The rollout progress is not expected to mirror the speed as the company itself planned,” several sources close to the matter confirmed.

    They said that the proposal is still pending from various Chinese authorities to evaluate in an all-round way, including technology, data safety, laws and regulations, as well as other relevant standards.

    Though no official green light has been given as of now, the Chinese government will partially support its trial test of FSD functions in some cities, the sources day.

    As data security has been a key obstacle to a full rollout of FSD, two people close to Tesla said that Musk has proposed directly accessing some non-sensitive video data to train its autonomous driving system.

    He also proactively suggested that a dedicated government team could thoroughly assess this video data to ensure its security, one of the sources said.

    Other people acknowledged the matter and said that Chinese authorities didn’t give an immediate response to this request given the current rules and regulations.

    According to the regulations of the Ministry of Natural Resources, automakers and developers of autonomous driving software should either apply for mapping licenses or ask a licensed company to collect, store, transform and process geographic data.

    Currently, foreign firms lack the qualifications to independently gather geographic data and must partner with local entities.

    To comply, Tesla has stored all data collected by its Chinese vehicles in China since 2021 and is cooperating with local companies to collect data to support its driver assistant system.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 8M in China’s big cities commute over 50 km daily: Report

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Vehicles run on Jianguo Road during morning peak hours in Chaoyang District of Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 3, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
    In China’s 22 most populous cities, long-distance commuters still face challenges, with more than 8 million people commuting over 50 km each day, according to a report released Thursday.
    The finding comes from the commuting monitoring report of major cities in China, released by a research institute under the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, in collaboration with the China Academy of Urban Planning & Design.
    Covering 45 major Chinese cities with rail transit, the report shows that among the 22 cities with a population exceeding 5 million, Beijing has the highest proportion of long-distance commuters, with 12 percent traveling over 50 kilometers, followed by Guangzhou at 10 percent.
    In terms of one-way commuting time, 28 percent of commuters travel for over 60 minutes in the Chinese capital, while in Shanghai, Chongqing, Tianjin, Wuhan and Qingdao, more than 15 percent of commuters fall into this category.
    One such commuter is a 46-year-old individual surnamed Sun. Every weekday, he leaves his home in Tianjin, a 13.6-million-people municipality neighboring Beijing, around 6 a.m., drives to a parking spot near Tianjin Railway Station, then switches to high-speed rail and subway to reach his workplace in Beijing — an almost two-hour, one-way commute that he has maintained for a decade.
    “I spend about 12 hours outside each day, but there’s no other choice,” Sun said, adding that he commutes rather than renting an apartment in Beijing mainly because he wants to accompany his child who is attending a junior high school in Tianjin.
    For many long-distance commuters like Sun in the megacities, rail transit services still need improvement.
    Although the total area covered by operational rail transit in the 42 surveyed cities with subway services exceeds 10,000 kilometers, only one-fifth of commuters live and work within 800 meters of a station.
    “Every 430,000 yuan (about $60,376) invested in rail transit construction results in just one additional person gaining access to the 800-meter range,” said Fu Lingfeng, an official of the China Academy of Urban Planning & Design.
    Guo Jifu, director of the Beijing Transport Institute, explained that larger cities with a higher proportion of the tertiary industry find it increasingly challenging to balance job locations and housing.
    “While planners envision an ideal scenario, the reality is that job-residence separation remains widespread in urban areas,” Guo said.
    To improve commuting experiences, Guo proposed measures such as integrating rail transit with urban development, building efficient commuting systems, and encouraging employers to provide housing and adopt flexible work arrangements.
    According to Yang Zeng, a professor at Shanghai University, the trend of living and working across cities in China is unique and differs from Western experiences and this phenomenon reflects long-term potential.
    “Strategies like city cluster integration are improving transportation and providing young people with more flexibility, enabling them to work in different cities without having to live in the main city center,” Yang said.
    For Sun, his hours-long commute is a mix of joy and fatigue. During the journey, he takes short naps, handles work on his phone and occasionally watches short videos. “I can deal with many issues while traveling. It’s a good way to use my time. I’ve gotten used to this lifestyle,” he said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Coast Guard fleet completes joint drills with Russian counterpart

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A formation of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels has completed joint drills and patrol missions with Russia’s coast guard, the CCG said Thursday.
    The two Chinese vessels departed on Sept. 13 from Zhoushan in east China’s Zhejiang Province and returned on Thursday after a journey of 35 days, according to the CCG.
    During the drills, vessels from both sides formed a joint fleet to patrol the high seas of North Pacific Ocean for the first time, where they conducted inspections and monitoring operations of fishing vessels in accordance with the law, maintaining the fishing order in the area.
    During the patrol, they also successfully carried out joint exercises, including search and rescue operations, damage control and lifesaving missions, as well as joint searches for illegal vessels.
    The CCG noted that this mission is a routine operation under its annual plan and does not aim at any specific target, region or country, and it complies with international law and practice.
    The joint patrols and exercises between the Chinese and Russian coast guards are highly significant for strengthening mutual trust and cooperation between the coast guards of the two countries, while also ensuring the safety and stability of the waters of North Pacific Ocean, according to the CCG.
    The CCG will continue to engage in bilateral and multilateral maritime law enforcement cooperation and actively participate in international and regional ocean governance, said the CCG.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Do IUDs cause breast cancer? Here’s what the evidence says

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brett Montgomery, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, The University of Western Australia

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    A new study has found a link between hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) and breast cancer.

    The research is important, but media reports of a large increase in risk may be causing unnecessary worry.

    Let’s put the findings in perspective for people who use IUDs.

    What are IUDs?

    IUDs are commonly used contraceptive devices. They sit inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy.

    Older versions contain copper as their active ingredient. Newer “hormonal” IUDs slowly release a synthetic progesterone called levonorgestrel. This mimics the body’s natural progesterone hormone.

    Both the copper and hormonal types of IUD are highly effective at preventing pregnancy over many years. Fertility is readily restored when they’re removed.

    But the hormonal IUDs have the extra advantage of making periods lighter and less painful. Some people have one inserted for these reasons, even if they don’t need contraception.

    Many women experience pain on insertion or spotting in the first few months of use. But compared to other contraceptives, women generally find IUDs very acceptable and continue to use them.

    What did the new study find?

    The new study, by researchers from Denmark, used data from national health registries to look for links between hormonal IUD use and breast cancer.

    They tracked nearly 80,000 people who started hormonal IUDs across two decades. They compared these people to an equal number of people born at the same time who did not use hormonal IUDs.

    On their raw numbers, you might think hormonal IUDs prevented breast cancer, because there were 720 cases of breast cancer in the hormonal IUD group, and nearly 900 in the other group. But that’s not the full story.

    Ideally, when researchers study the effects of medicines, they do a “randomised controlled trial”, where researchers use chance to decide whether people get one treatment or another. This ensures the two groups are very similar apart from the treatment being studied. That’s not what happened here.



    Read more:
    Randomised control trials: what makes them the gold standard in medical research?

    Instead, they simply studied people who had decided to have a hormonal IUD, and compared them to people who didn’t. This means the groups were different in many other ways.

    So, the hormonal IUD group and the other group might appear to have a different risk of breast cancer – not because of the IUDs, but because of their other differences. For example, more highly educated women might be more likely to choose IUDs, and also more likely to attend breast cancer screening, where their breast cancer would be discovered.

    The researchers “adjusted” their results to account for many differences between the two groups (including education, age, number of children, and some other medicines and medical conditions). After this “adjustment”, the numbers pointed in a different direction: towards a higher risk of breast cancer among people who used a hormonal IUD.

    However, there are many other important risk factors for breast cancer the authors seem not to have adjusted for, such as body weight, alcohol use, smoking and physical activity. If there were differences between the two groups in these things, then the study’s results may still be biased. This makes me quite uncertain about the results.

    Ultimately, we can’t say the IUDs caused the breast cancer – just that there’s an “association” or “link”.



    Read more:
    Clearing up confusion between correlation and causation

    How big are the risks?

    There are two different ways researchers express risk: “relative” and “absolute” risks. Here, the “relative” risk increase was about 30% for women using the IUDs for up to five years, 40% after 5–10 years, and 80% after 10–15 years of use.

    These sound like massive risks. But though these statistics compare the risk of breast cancer in IUD users to the risk in non-users, they do not tell us the proportion of women who will get breast cancer. For that, we need to look at “absolute” risk increases.

    These are much smaller. For every 10,000 women, this study suggests we might see an extra 14 cases of breast cancer after up to five years of use, 29 cases after 5–10 years use, and 71 cases after 10–15 years use. In “absolute” terms – as a proportion of all the IUD users – all of these risk increases are comfortably under 1%.

    Absolute risk increases are much smaller.
    Frame Stock Footage/Shtterstock

    Reporting the dramatic relative risks, and not the much smaller absolute risks, is a common flaw in stories about health risk, and goes against science reporting recommendations.

    What does other research say?

    There are other studies on this topic, including a much larger recent study from Sweden based on data from more than half a million users of hormonal IUDs.

    This suggested only a 13% relative risk increase in breast cancer – much smaller than the risk increases in the Danish study. This would mean an additional 1.46 cases of breast cancer for every 10,000 women per year.

    This is in keeping with a recent large review of studies on this topic, which also found a much smaller risk than the new Danish paper.

    The Swedish study also looked at other cancers. The results suggested a decreased risk of cancers of the cervix, ovaries and endometrium (womb lining). This mixed picture of some cancer risk and some cancer protection is also seen for traditional contraceptive pills.

    And of course, all contraception protects women from the risks of pregnancy.

    What does it mean for me?

    The link between hormonal IUDs and breast cancer is probably very small, and might be a statistical illusion rather than a real thing.

    Even if it’s a real risk, it may be offset by protection against other cancers.

    And it may be dwarfed by other risks for breast cancer, such as high body weight, physical inactivity, alcohol use, and smoking. Online resources can help you visualise these risks.

    Hormonal IUDs aren’t the right contraceptive choice for every woman. However, they deserve to stay high up on the menu of options.

    Brett Montgomery is a GP who works academically and clinically. In his clinical work he sometimes discusses contraception with patients, including IUDs, but he does not insert IUDs himself. He has no commercial relationship with any IUD manufacturer.

    – ref. Do IUDs cause breast cancer? Here’s what the evidence says – https://theconversation.com/do-iuds-cause-breast-cancer-heres-what-the-evidence-says-241663

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – ECB’s rate cut piles pressure on the Euro

    Source: deVere Group

    October 17 2024 – The European Central Bank (ECB) has lowered interest rates for the third time this year, as inflation in the eurozone shows signs of easing and the economy struggles to regain momentum.

    With money markets now expecting three more rate cuts by March 2025, the euro is likely to face prolonged downward pressure, predicts the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial organizations.

    The prediction from deVere Group’s Nigel Green follows Thursday’s quarter-point rate cut, which brings the deposit rate down to 3.25%.

    He says: “This is the first time in 13 years that the ECB has delivered consecutive rate cuts, marking a pivotal moment for both the eurozone economy and global investors.

    “Lower interest rates make a currency less appealing to investors as they reduce returns on assets denominated in that currency.

    “As the ECB continues to signal further rate cuts, this trend is expected to intensify. The euro is likely to weaken as investors seek higher returns elsewhere, potentially leading to capital outflows from the eurozone.

    “The ECB’s actions indicate a clear shift in focus, from managing inflation to stimulating growth.

    “With continued rate cuts on the horizon, the euro is set to remain under pressure for the foreseeable future, making this a critical time for investors to assess their portfolios.”

    For investors holding euro-denominated assets, a weakening currency could present some challenges, especially for those with international exposure. As the euro depreciates, returns on European investments could decline when converted back into stronger currencies.

    However, there are also opportunities, particularly in export-heavy sectors, where a weaker euro makes European goods more competitive on the global market.

    “In light of the ECB’s monetary policy approach, we recommend investors take a close look at currency risk and consider hedging strategies if they have significant exposure to the euro,” affirms Nigel Green.

    “On the other hand, sectors such as manufacturing and exports could benefit from a more competitive currency.”

    For investors looking to take advantage of a weaker euro, diversification into eurozone industries that are less reliant on domestic demand and more focused on exports could prove beneficial. These industries are likely to see growth as their goods become more attractive on the international market, providing opportunities in the face of broader economic stagnation.

    The deVere CEO concludes: “Investors should be prepared for sustained euro depreciation and adjust their strategies accordingly.

    “The weakening euro could be a double-edged sword, offering opportunities in specific sectors while also requiring a more cautious approach to currency risk.”

    deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $12bn under advisement.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2024 final register for Rural Representative Election published today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    2024 final register for Rural Representative Election published today
    2024 final register for Rural Representative Election published today
    *********************************************************************

         ​The 2024 final register for the Rural Representative Election (RRE) was published today (October 18). The final register contains the particulars of the registered electors of Existing Villages, Indigenous Villages, Composite Indigenous Villages and Market Towns. Registered electors may log into the RRE Voter Registration Information Enquiry System through the RRE website (www.had.gov.hk/rre) for perusal of their own registration particulars. They may also call the RRE hotline at 2152 1521 during ordinary business hours for enquiries about the relevant information.      A full copy of the final register is placed at the office of the Electoral Registration Officer located at the Home Affairs Department (HAD), 30/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. Copies of the specific divisions of the final register for Rural Areas that belong to the Rural Committees concerned are placed at the offices of the Assistant Electoral Registration Officers in the respective New Territories District Offices (NTDOs), the office addresses of which are set out on the RRE website. Pursuant to section 30 of the Electoral Affairs Commission (Registration of Electors) (Rural Representative Election) Regulation (Cap. 541K), specified persons including members of the press (meaning persons who subscribe to the Government News and Media Information System maintained by the Director of Information Services), political parties (i.e. political bodies/organisations that meet the specified requirements under the Regulation), Heung Yee Kuk, respective Rural Committees for the relevant Rural Areas, indigenous inhabitants of the relevant Indigenous Villages or Composite Indigenous Villages, residents of the relevant Existing Villages or Market Towns as well as validly nominated candidates at a coming election can inspect the aforementioned final register of electors for purposes relating to the RRE, by making an appointment through the RRE hotline or the relevant NTDOs during ordinary business hours starting from today.      The ordinary business hours of the HAD and NTDOs in respect of the above matter are from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except Saturdays and general holidays).      Statistical information about the final register is available on the RRE website.      For enquiries, please visit the RRE website or call the RRE hotline.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 18, 2024Issued at HKT 9:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Coming Soon: Regional Economic Outlook for the Western Hemisphere, October 2024

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    COMING SOON

    Launch of the October 2024 Regional Economic Outlook for the Western Hemisphere

    The Regional Economic Outlook (REO) report provides comprehensive insights into recent economic developments and future prospects specifically for countries in the region. It analyzes the impact of economic policy changes on performance, highlighting key challenges faced by policymakers in navigating complex economic landscapes. 

    RELEASE DATE
    • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 10:15 AM ET | 3:15 UTC: Online report and analytical notes with press briefing 

    The full report, analytical notes, and the live webcast of the press briefing will be available on this page on October 25 (10:15 AM ET | 3:15 PM UTC). 

    Publications

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Retro arcade machines meet art at Studio One’s latest interactive exhibition

    Source: Auckland Council

    Retro arcade machines are transformed into art installations at Studio One – Toi Tū, Auckland Council’s community art facility in Ponsonby, this month.   

    Arca Arcade “Round One”, is an immersive exhibition that combines retro and new technologies with playful, hands-on art experiences, designed to engage and entertain visitors of all ages. The exhibition blends nostalgic technology with contemporary art under designer Preston Khan McNeil’s guidance. Wall-mounted, playable arcade machines are transformed into nine artistic installations adorned with te ao Māori influences and styles from prominent Aotearoa New Zealand artists.  

    McNeil collaborated with local artistic talents Gina Kiel, Flox, Otis Frizzell, Joe Sheehan, and Otis Chamberlain for the project, and what transpired is art with a distinctive style that is uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand.  

    “What started as an industrial design passion project has transformed into an art initiative, now serving a community deeply influenced by 80s and 90s arcade gaming”, says McNeil.  

    “When I began designing the arcade cabinet, my brief was to create something compact and elegant, that looked like art, and that my wife wouldn’t mind having in a living space,” he says.  

    “The collection stands as a poignant homage to the enduring allure and cultural significance of arcade gaming. Arca Arcade isn’t just a throwback to yesteryear, this modern take on arcade cabinet design becomes a canvas to explore the intertwining of inspiration and fabrication, to create the unexpected.”  

    McNeil’s multifaceted expertise—forged by a longstanding passion for arcade gaming, a curiosity for arcade machine tinkering, and a seasoned background in digital design—forms the bedrock of this ambitious venture.   

    Siobhan Connelly, Studio One – Toi Tū Manager, says the exhibition is a special opportunity to bring communities together through a shared passion for creativity and the nostalgic joy of arcade gaming.   

    “It’s a playful and immersive experience where iconic machines are elevated to art, celebrated for their design, history, and cultural impact,” adds Connelly.   

    “Each exhibition we host brings something unique for our visitors and Arca Arcade “Round One” is no different. Not only is it an immersive experience, but it’s also a competition to strive for the top spot on the leaderboards, which is fitting and a pleasant surprise as most exhibits often deter physical interaction,” she says.  

    “We’re delighted to offer something new to our visitors, from near and far, to discover and enjoy”.   

    Both Arca Arcade “Round One” exhibition, and the competition for the top spot on the leaderboard, are on until 31 October at Studio One – Toi Tū, Ponsonby.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Bodies – Global Parliamentary community recommits to multeralism for peace – IPU

    Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    Hundreds of parliamentarians, from some 130 countries, gathered at the 149th IPU Assembly in Geneva, have adopted a resolution reaffirming unwavering support for multilateralism through the United Nations system and other global institutions.

    Against a backdrop of escalating conflicts around the world, the consequences of climate change and the risk of pandemics, resulting in a multiplication of humanitarian crises, lawmakers emphasized the urgency of a collective response and cooperation at the international level.

    The resolution, put forward by the IPU’s founding Members, France and the United Kingdom, along with Germany, the Netherlands and Canada, calls for a “complete rejection of the indiscriminate targeting by armed forces of civilians, wherever they may be, particularly emergency personnel, health and education workers, and medical, education and other public infrastructure”.

    The resolution was reinforced by the IPU’s Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law, which issued a plea for the international community to pressure the parties to the conflict in Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza, to take action to avert a full-scale war.

    The Assembly also provided a space for intensive parliamentary diplomacy, including meetings of the IPU’s various international parliamentary bodies which contribute to peace-building efforts, such as the Task Force for the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine and the Committee on Middle East Questions.

    Other outcomes on science, technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    The global parliamentary also adopted a landmark resolution on The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

    The resolution urges parliaments worldwide to swiftly develop and implement robust legal frameworks and policies for the responsible creation, deployment and use of AI technology.

    Key demands of the resolution include:

    • Mitigating risks to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, with a particular focus on the disproportionate impact of AI on women and girls
    • Legislating against deepfake intimate images and AI-generated content that fuels hate speech or incites violence
    • Developing tools to verify the origin of online images and content, empowering users to discern authenticity
    • Reviewing and updating existing legislation to close loopholes exposed by AI advances.

    The resolution underscores the need for parliaments to stay ahead of the curve in regulating AI, striking a balance between innovation and the protection of fundamental rights.

    IPU Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology

    During the Assembly, the Governing Council adopted a new Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology.

    Drafted by the IPU’s Working Group on Science and Technology, the Charter underscores the critical role of scientific knowledge in parliamentary decision-making and the ethical considerations essential for governing emerging technologies.

    Key highlights of the Charter include:

    • Emphasizing ethical responsibilities in scientific advancements
    • Advocating for equitable global participation, and addressing gender, social and economic inequalities
    • Outlining key principles for regulating science and technology, including enacting laws promoting societal values, the preservation of research freedom, international cooperation and sustainability considerations.

    The Charter recommends that legislators maintain parliamentary structures for presenting evidence-based information, engage with competent organizations on ethics, develop checklists for scrutinizing legislation and consult civil society.

    Geneva Declaration on science and technology

    In their final Declaration, legislators expressed resolve to harness and regulate science, technology and innovation (STI) for the benefit of humanity.

    The Declaration emphasizes the need to bridge digital divides, protect human rights, and foster international cooperation in STI governance.

    Parliamentarians pledged to implement these commitments through legislative, budgetary and oversight actions, striving for an equitable and technologically advanced world.

    Background

    The 149th IPU Assembly took place from 13-17 October 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. It was attended by over 630 MPs, including 54 Speakers of Parliament and 36 Deputy Speakers. Around 36% of the MPs were women and some 25% were young MPs under 45.

    The 150th IPU Assembly will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 5-9 April 2025.

    The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener, more innovative and gender-balanced. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Lufthansa Group appoints Brendan Shashoua as Lufthansa Group’s Senior Director Sales – Southeast Asia and the Pacific

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    Brendan Shashoua has been appointed Lufthansa Group’s Senior Director Sales – Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Based in Singapore, he leads Lufthansa Group’s sales force across Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. 

    Born and raised in Switzerland, Brendan Shashoua began his Lufthansa Group career in revenue management at SWISS in 2011. After 2.5 years, he progressed into sales as a Global Key Account Manager with responsibilities for the management of some of Lufthansa Group’s largest corporate customers. In 2018, he began his first team lead position in Sales Services and Groups in Switzerland where he was responsible for development of the inaugural Lufthansa Group Global Sales Services Competence Center. 

    In July 2021, he assumed the role of Director of Regional Sales Canada with responsibility for the entire Canadian market, including Lufthansa Group’s successful Joint Venture with United Airlines and Air Canada. Brendan Shashoua is a dual citizen of both Switzerland and the United Kingdom and holds an Executive MBA from Zurich University. He is happily married with one son. 

    About Lufthansa Group

    The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with operations worldwide. With 100,000+ employees, Lufthansa Group generated revenue of €35.4bn in the financial year 2023. Our largest business segment is Passenger Airlines while other key business segments include Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Other companies and Group functions such as IT companies and Lufthansa Aviation Training form complimentary components of the Group. All airlines and business segments play leading roles in their respective markets.

     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –